ladybird

The ladybird, or ladybug in North America, is a small beetle in the family Coccinellidae, order Coleoptera. Most species are dome-shaped and range from 4 to 8 millimeters in length. Color patterns vary, but many are red, orange, or yellow with dark spots. The bright coloration often serves as a warning to predators, and many species secrete bitter or mildly toxic compounds when threatened.

Ladybirds undergo complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid near colonies of aphids and other plant pests; larvae are elongated and often mottled; after feeding, larvae pupate on vegetation. Adults emerge and feed on pests or, in some species, nectar and pollen. Both larvae and adults contribute to biological control by consuming large numbers of aphids and other soft-bodied insects.

They are found worldwide, especially in temperate and subtropical regions, and inhabit gardens, fields, forests, and grasslands. In many areas they are valued as natural pest control agents. Some species, notably Harmonia axyridis (the harlequin ladybird), have become invasive, outcompeting native beetles and forming large autumn aggregations that may enter human structures during winter. Common examples include the seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and the two-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

Human interactions are generally positive, as they reduce pest populations. They are not harmful to people, though some individuals may react to their secretions if handled. Pesticide use and habitat loss threaten native populations; conservation measures include reducing broad-spectrum insecticides, preserving hedgerows, and providing flowering plants that supply nectar and shelter for adults and overwintering.