Coccinellidae is a family of beetles known variously as ladybirds ( in UK, Ireland, Australia, Sri

Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Malta, some parts of Canada and the US) and ladybugs

(North America).

Scientists increasingly prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles as these insects are not real

bugs. Lesser-used names include God’s cow, lady cock, lady cow, and lady fly.

Coccinellids are small ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm (0.04 to 0.4 inches), and are commonly yellow, orange,

or scarlet with small black spots on their wing covers, with black legs, antennae and head.

A very large number of coccinellid species are mostly, or entirely, black, grey, or brown and are

difficult to be recognized as coccinellids.

Conversely, many small beetles are easily mistaken for coccinellids.

Coccinellids are found worldwide, with over 5,000 species described.

They are generally considered useful insects, as many species feed on the

other pests in gardens, agricultural fields, orchards, and similar places.

The harlequin ladybug was introduced into North America from Asia in 1916 to control aphids,

but is now the most common species and out-competes many of the native species.

It has since spread to much of western Europe, reaching the UK in 2004.

A common myth is that the number of spots on the insect’s back indicates its age.