What is a ladybug?

A ladybug belongs to the Coccunellidae family that also includes other species of insects. Ladybugs are also popularly known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles in Europe. World over there are more than 5,000 species of ladybug. Out of the 5,000 450 species are found North America itself. On hearing the word ladybug, one can think of vibrant red beetles dotted with black spots. Ladybugs are although commonly associated with the above description, but they are also found in various other colors both with and without markings on their body.

Ladybug Scientific Name

Coccinella septempunctata

Ladybug Description

Ladybugs are very tiny insects and measure anywhere between 1mm to 10 mm in size. Their body is a hard shell which is a bright red with black spots on it Ladybugs are also found in other colors like gray, white, brown, green, orange and yellow. The bright colored ladybugs make use of their color as a natural defense, as many predators find brightly colored insects to be dangerous. They also secrete a foul smelling liquid which help them in protecting themselves from their enemies.

Ladybugs Usefulness

The ladybugs are also predators but in a useful manner. They are helpful to farmers in a large way, as they devour all kinds of insect pests like aphids, mites, and mealy bugs amongst others. They act as natural pesticides to the crops instead of chemicals and help in protecting them.

Ladybug life cycle

The ladybug goes through a complete metamorphosis. The life stages of a ladybug are: - egg --> larva --> pupa --> adult, which it completes in four weeks. The female ladybug lays tiny eggs which hatches into larvae in 3 - 7 days. The larva sheds its skin many times while growing up and then attaches itself with its tail to a plant stem or leaf. The skin of the larval ruptures and gives life to the pupa which protects the adult lady bug till it completely metamorphoses to an adult ladybug.

Ladybug facts

Ladybugs are also known as ladybirds or lady beetles and there are above 5000 different varieties of ladybugs world over. Many gardeners and farmers use ladybugs instead of chemicals as pesticides to get rid of aphids and other pest insects. A ladybug lays around 1000 eggs in its life span. It is not necessary that all ladybugs are red in color and have spots; they also come in colors like pink, orange, yellow, white and black. Ladybugs make a chemical that smells foul to keep their predators from eating them and their bright colors give birds a warning that they do not taste good. Ladybugs are considered to be a sign of good luck by many countries. With age the spots on their body fade away. Ladybugs are loved by children and most often kept as pets for their bright and attractive color.