![]() The common English name ladybird originated in Britain where the insects became known as "Our Lady's birds". The name Coccinellidae, created by Pierre André Latreille in 1807, is derived from the Latin word coccineus meaning "scarlet". These insects have played roles in folklore, religion and poetry, and are particularly popular in nursery rhymes. Other threats to coccinellids include climate change and habitat destruction. Invasive species like Harmonia axyridis pose a threat to native ones. Some species are pests themselves and can infest people's homes, particularly in winter. Several species have been introduced outside their range as biological control agents, with varying degrees of success. Since they prey on agricultural pests, most coccinellids are considered beneficial insects. Coccinellids migrate between dormancy and breeding sites. Temperate species hibernate and diapause during the winter tropical species are dormant during the dry season. Like most insects, they develop from larva to pupa to adult. Many species lay their eggs near colonies of prey, ensuring their larvae have an immediate food source. They are promiscuous breeders, reproducing in spring and summer in temperate regions and during the wet season in tropical regions. They are also known to consume non-animal matter, including plants and fungi. Most coccinellid species are carnivorous predators, preying on insects such as aphids and scale insects. ![]() Many of the species have conspicuous aposematic (warning) colours and patterns, such as red with black spots, that warn potential predators that they are distasteful. They are sexually dimorphic adult females are larger than males. They are oval beetles with a domed back and flat underside. The more than 6,000 described species have a global distribution and are found in a variety of habitats. Entomologists prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles to avoid confusion with true bugs. They are commonly known as ladybugs in North America and ladybirds elsewhere in the English-speaking world "lady" referring to mother Mary. Coccinellidae ( / ˌ k ɒ k s ɪ ˈ n ɛ l ɪ ˌ d iː/) is a widespread family of small beetles.
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