Ladybugs, also known as lady beetles, belong to the beetle family and include around 5,000 species.

While they are commonly recognized for their red bodies adorned with black spots, ladybugs actually come in various colors and patterns, some even lacking markings or having stripes.

These small, hard-shelled insects are not only harmless to humans but also incredibly beneficial to gardeners. From their concealed wings to their ability to fend off predators, there’s much more to these charming creatures than meets the eye.

1. Ladybugs are Actually Lady Beetles

Although commonly called ladybugs, these insects are more accurately referred to as lady beetles or ladybird beetles. Unlike bugs, which have needle-like mouth-parts and a liquid diet, lady beetles have chewing mouthparts and enjoy eating plants and insects. Additionally, beetles have hard wings, whereas bugs may have softer wings or no wings at all.

2. Not All Ladybugs Are Red With Black Spots

While red with black spots is the most recognizable appearance, ladybugs come in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, pink, brown, and even all black. Some may have stripes instead of spots, and some species don’t have any markings at all. With around 5,000 species worldwide, there's much more to ladybugs than their familiar red appearance.

3. Ladybugs Consume Many Pests

Ladybugs are incredibly helpful to gardeners because they eat pests like aphids, which damage plants. A single ladybug can consume up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime. They also feed on fruit flies, thrips, and mites. However, some species, like the Mexican bean beetle, are considered pests because they feed on plants.

4. Ladybugs Hibernate in Winter

In colder climates, ladybugs enter a state of hibernation known as diapause. They gather in large groups and live off their fat reserves during the long winter months. When warmer weather returns, they emerge, ready to feed on fresh insects.

5. Bright Colors Serve as a Warning

Ladybugs' vivid colors and spots serve as a deterrent to predators, signaling that they are distasteful or toxic. In addition, when threatened, ladybugs can secrete foul-smelling blood from their legs, which is toxic to many animals. Some even play dead as a final defense mechanism.

6. The Legend Behind Their Name

The name "ladybug" comes from a medieval legend in which farmers prayed to to help them with aphid infestations. Ladybugs arrived to eat the aphids, saving the crops, and farmers began calling them "Our Lady's beetles" in gratitude.

7. Ladybugs May Eat Their Own Eggs

While ladybugs can lay up to 1,000 eggs during a season, not all will survive to adulthood. In times of food scarcity, ladybugs may eat their own eggs or larvae. Interestingly, when resources are limited, ladybugs also lay infertile eggs to provide for their offspring.

8. Hidden Wings Await

During their metamorphosis, ladybugs first appear as larvae before entering the pupal stage. After this, they become adults, revealing their hidden wings. These wings are tucked under their protective outer shell (elytra) and can unfold in just 0.1 seconds, flapping at an impressive 85 beats per second.

9. Ladybug Populations Are Declining

Recent studies have shown a decline in native ladybug populations across the United States and Canada. Experts believe factors such as the introduction of non-native species, climate change, habitat destruction, disease, and changes in prey availability may be contributing to the decline.

Ladybug facts: aka ladybeetle facts | Animal Fact Files

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