What Asian Lady Beetles Look Like Indoors

Asian lady beetles found indoors usually appear as small, dome-shaped beetles with a length of about one-quarter of an inch (about 7 mm). Their coloring ranges from pale yellow or orange to a deep reddish-orange. Some are nearly spotless, while others have as many as twenty black spots on their wing covers, but the number and visibility of these spots can vary. A key feature to recognize them is the presence of a distinctive black "M" or "W" shaped marking right behind their head, which sits on a white field—this marking helps tell them apart from native ladybugs.

When you see them inside, they might be found clustering in sunny windows, on walls, or high up near ceilings, especially during the fall or winter. This is because, as the weather gets cooler, they seek warmth and shelter indoors, often entering through cracks around doors, windows, attics, or rooflines. If disturbed, Asian lady beetles might fly around the room or drop to the floor, and sometimes they land on light-colored surfaces, making them more visible.

Unlike typical native ladybugs, Asian lady beetles can sometimes look a bit more elongated or slightly larger. Their legs and "face" seem a bit lighter compared to common ladybugs, and on close inspection, you might notice a slight gold or orange tint to the shell. Their underside is usually black but may also be yellowish or brownish.

Another thing to note is that if you pick them up or crush them, they may excrete a yellowish fluid from their legs. This is called "reflex bleeding." It can stain surfaces and has an unpleasant smell—almost musty or acrid.

If you notice numerous small, reddish or orange beetles gathering together inside, especially near windows, lights, or warm spots, it is likely Asian lady beetles rather than native ladybugs. They tend not to move quickly and often appear sluggish or clustered in groups, particularly in corners or window crevices. Individually, they do not bite aggressively, but if handled, they can nip the skin lightly, which feels more of a minor pinch than a true bite.

In summary, Asian lady beetles indoors can be readily identified by their variable orange-red coloring with or without black spots, their dome-shaped body, the distinctive black M/W marking behind their head, their tendency to form groups, and the possibility of releasing a yellow fluid that can stain and smell unpleasant. They are most often found in well-lit areas or near warmth during the cooler months.