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
Ecology and behavior: Ladybirds are valued as beneficial insects because adults and larvae feed on soft-bodied
Life cycle: The life cycle includes eggs laid near food sources, usually on vegetation. Eggs hatch into
Distribution and notable species: The seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and the two-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) are
Conservation and conflicts: Ladybird populations can be affected by habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition with