Ladybug
Coccinella septempunctata
Quick answer
Ladybugs, also called ladybirds, are small round beetles best known for their bright red wing cases and black spots. They are valued by gardeners and farmers because both adults and larvae eat large numbers of aphids and other plant pests. Most ladybugs live about one year.
Ladybug facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Coccinella septempunctata |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (mostly aphids) |
| Habitat | Gardens, grasslands, woodlands, farmland |
| Lifespan | About 1 year |
| Size | 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long |
| Top speed | ~24 km/h (15 mph) in flight |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Coleoptera |
| Family | Coccinellidae |
Where it lives
Gardens, fields, and woodlands across most of the world, with many species native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Appearance and warning colors
Ladybugs are small, dome-shaped beetles with hard wing cases that are most often red or orange with black spots, though some species are yellow or black. The bright colors are a warning to predators that the beetle tastes unpleasant. When threatened, a ladybug can release a foul-smelling fluid from its leg joints.
Diet and pest control
Most ladybugs are predators that feed mainly on aphids and other soft-bodied plant pests. A single ladybug can eat thousands of aphids over its life, and the larvae are even hungrier hunters. This appetite makes ladybugs popular natural pest control in gardens and on farms.
Life cycle
Ladybugs go through complete metamorphosis, passing from egg to larva to pupa to adult. The larvae look long and spiky, quite unlike the rounded adults, and spend their time crawling over plants hunting prey. The whole cycle can take just a few weeks in warm weather.
Habitat and range
Ladybugs are found on every continent except Antarctica, living wherever plants and insect prey are common. Many species cluster together in large groups to spend the winter under bark, leaf litter, or inside buildings, emerging again in spring.
Frequently asked questions about the Ladybug
What do ladybugs eat?
Most ladybugs are predators that eat aphids and other small soft-bodied insects. A single ladybug can eat thousands of aphids during its life, which is why gardeners value them.
How long do ladybugs live?
Most ladybugs live about one year. They spend the colder months in a dormant state and become active again when the weather warms in spring.
Why do ladybugs have spots?
A ladybug's bright colors and spots warn predators that it tastes bad. The pattern signals that eating the beetle would be unpleasant, helping it avoid being attacked.
Are ladybugs good for gardens?
Yes. Ladybugs eat aphids and other plant pests, making them a natural form of pest control. Many gardeners welcome or even release ladybugs to protect their plants.
Do ladybugs bite?
Ladybugs can give a tiny pinch, but they are harmless to people. They are not venomous and do not carry disease, and any nibble is far too weak to break skin in a meaningful way.
What is the difference between a ladybug and a ladybird?
They are the same insect. "Ladybug" is the common name used in North America, while "ladybird" is used in Britain and much of the rest of the world.
