Ladybug

Ladybug, lady beetle, or ladybird, small, almost round beetle of the family Coccinellidae. Ladybugs are named for their association with the Virgin Mary. Their shiny wing-cases are brightly colored (red, yellow, or black) and usually have patterns of spots (black with a red or yellow case, or red or yellow with a black case). They hibernate in groups under bark or in caves and rock crevices. They emerge in the spring to lay their eggs, and both adults and larvae feed on aphids and scale insects, thus playing an important role in controlling these insect pests. A few species eat plants, and the Mexican bean beetle is a pest of beans, alfalfa, clover, and other crops.