Ladybird

Ladybirds are beetles within the family Coccinellidae. They have round bodies and their elytra (wing cases) are often brightly coloured and adorned with spots. The bright colours are used to warn predators that they are unpalatable and, when attacked, they also 'reflex bleed'.

Ladybirds are usually considered beneficial insects as both adults and larvae eat large numbers of aphids. Ladybirds are even sold as biological control agents.

Ladybirds often overwinter in large numbers. These aggregations can be a nuisance when they gather within houses.

The name ladybird comes from the Middle Ages. The beetles were called the "beetle of Our Lady" because, at that time, the Virgin Mary was often depicted in paintings wearing red clothing.

The two-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata). An adult can eat up to fifty aphids a day.

Other names for (or types of) Ladybird include:

• Coccinellidae
• Lady beetles
• Ladybugs

Related terms

• Aphid
• Aposematism
• Biological control
• Coleoptera
• Hibernation
• Reflex bleeding

Related pages on this web site

• Beetles - Order Coleoptera

See other words beginning with L