Animal Profiles
Insects

Ladybug

Coccinellidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Ladybugs are beetles, many of which hunt plant-feeding insects. This account describes the seven-spotted ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata), a familiar aphid predator.

Coccinella septempunctata, the representative described in this account.

Coccinella septempunctata, the representative described in this account.

Photographer: Dominik Stodulski Graphic Processing: User:MathKnight · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Originally associated with Europe and Asia, this ladybird has also established in North America.
Habitat
Grassland, Towns and cities
Diet
Insectivore
Food
Both adults and larvae eat aphids and other small insects.

Classification

Common name
Ladybug
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Coccinellidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Coccinellidae
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is a beetle.
  • Larvae also hunt aphids.
  • Adults may gather for winter.

Habitat and range

Originally associated with Europe and Asia, this ladybird has also established in North America. Plants carrying aphid colonies provide feeding opportunities in fields and gardens.

Appearance and adaptations

Orange-red wing covers usually carry seven dark spots. Adults have a rounded outline, whereas larvae are elongated and visibly segmented.

Diet and behaviour

Both adults and larvae eat aphids and other small insects. Adults can supplement animal food with pollen. Groups may gather in protected places to pass the winter.

Sources

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