Classification:
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Scientific Name: Coccinellidae
Common Name: Ladybug
Class: Insecta
Scientific Name: Coccinellidae
Common Name: Ladybug
General Characteristics:
The ladybug is actually a species of beetle. The adults are oval shaped and have a maximum size from 1mm to 10mm depending on the species. Various of species are often brightly colored in their adult stage. Adults are also able to reflex-bleed through their tibio-femoral articulations. They blood also has the ability to deter potential predators because of its repulsive smell as well as its toxicity. The larvae and pupae life stages of the ladybug are also toxic. The larvae go through four instars before pupating, giving rise to mature adult beetles. Depending on the species, ladybugs will feed on plants, mildews, mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, armored scale insects, and aphids.
Habitat:
Ladybug species can be found world-wide including the United States and Britain. Of the reported 6,000 species of ladybugs, some 98 occur in the state of Florida.
Importance to Humans:
Ladybug species that prey on insects that are considered pests are considered biological control agents and thus, beneficial. However, ladybug species that feed on plants can be a destructive pest in the eyes of farmers and gardeners.
Sources:
"Common Name: ladybirds, lady beetles, ladybugs (of Florida)". University of Florida (Featured Creatures). Retrieved from: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/lady_beetles.htm.