Ladybug

Because "lady" is defined as "a woman of good family, social position, breeding, etc.," this may refer to the fact that most species of this beetle family are highly beneficial insects; only three of 475 United States species are not beneficial. Some species have a habit of overwintering in structures and are therefore are nuisance pests. Ladybugs are found worldwide with about 475 species occurring in the United States and Canada.

Recognition

Adults are about 1/32-3/8 inch long; shape distinctive, broadly oval to nearly round, strongly convex dorsaly, merle flat ventrally. Color red, orange, yellow, brown, or shiny black, usually with various markings including a white spot; often bright yellow, red, or orange with black markings or black with yellow, orange, or red markings. Head partly to completely concealed from above. Antenna short to usually very short, 8-11 segmented, with weak club of three to six segments, Tarsi appear three, actually four.

Larvae look like tiny flat alligators, often with numerous spines and/or wartlike structures; color usually blackish, some with red, orange, or yellow spots or bands; some species secrete a white waxy material, which makes them resemble mealybugs.

Habits

Larvae and adults are predaceous on aphids, mealybugs, mites, scale insects, other soft-bodied insects, and their eggs, making them very beneficial insects. A few species are leaf feeders and are important plant pests, for example, the Mexican Bean Beetle.