ladybirds

Ladybirds, or ladybirds in British usage, are small beetles in the family Coccinellidae. They are distributed worldwide and include hundreds of species, with a wide range of colors and spot patterns.

Most species are dome-shaped and range from about 1 to 10 millimeters in length. They are typically bright and easily recognizable, with red, orange, or yellow elytra often bearing black spots or other markings. Some species are nearly orange or yellow with few or no spots.

Ecology and behavior: Ladybirds are valued as beneficial insects because adults and larvae feed on soft-bodied pests such as aphids, scale insects, and mites. This makes them important natural enemies in gardens and agricultural systems. Many species also visit flowers to drink nectar or pollen. During winter, adults commonly aggregate in sheltered places, such as under bark, in leaf litter, or inside buildings.

Life cycle: The life cycle includes eggs laid near food sources, usually on vegetation. Eggs hatch into elongate, often spiny larvae, which in turn pupate before emerging as adults. Depending on species and temperature, a generation may complete in as little as a few weeks, allowing multiple generations per year in warm climates.

Distribution and notable species: The seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and the two-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) are common in Europe, while the Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) has been introduced to many regions for pest control and has become widespread in several continents.

Conservation and conflicts: Ladybird populations can be affected by habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition with introduced species. They remain a key component of integrated pest management due to their predation on crop pests.