ladybug

A ladybug, also known as a ladybird beetle, is a common name for several species in the family Coccinellidae, an order of beetles. There are about 5,000 described species worldwide, occupying a wide range of habitats from forests and grasslands to agricultural fields and urban areas.

Most ladybugs are small to medium in size, typically 1 to 10 millimeters long, and have a dome-shaped or rounded body. Their elytra are often brightly colored, commonly red or orange with black spots, though patterns vary by species and can include stripes or solid colors. The coloration is an aposematic signal to predators.

Ecologically, the adults and larvae are primarily predators of aphids and other soft-bodied insects, making them beneficial for pest control. Some species feed on scale insects, mites, or insect eggs, while others feed on pollen and nectar when prey is scarce. They help regulate pest populations in crops and landscapes.

The life cycle consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult, a complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid near food sources, often in clusters. Larvae resemble tiny alligators and are usually more active and spiny. Pupation occurs on vegetation, after which the winged adult emerges.

In human contexts, ladybugs are generally considered beneficial insects. They have been introduced deliberately in some regions for biological pest control, though non-native species can compete with native beetles. In autumn, many species gather in large aggregations and may enter buildings to overwinter, where they can become a nuisance but do not pose a threat to people.