BIO-1100 Principles of Biology
Ladybugs
By Jozef Vandenmooter
Introduction
Ladybug is the name commonly used to describe the Coccinellidae (which means clothed in scarlet), members of the Coleoptera, or beetle family. They are also known as Lady beetles, Ladybirds, Ladybird Beetles or Ladybird Bugs. The lady' referred to is the Virgin Mary. In German they are called Marienkafer, or Mary beetles. In Dutch we call them LieveHeersbeestjes, or Dear Lord Bugs.
The reason they are given these names in folklore is that they are considered harbingers of good luck. Indeed, many species of ladybugs feed on pests, and have therefore been introduced in the environment deliberately on many occasions.
Description
Depending on the species, ladybugs measure anywhere from .3 to 10mm in length. They have oval shaped bodies and are usually an orange to red color with black spots.
The heads and legs are retractable. Ladybugs have six legs, three on each side. They have segmented......
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