14 Captivating Facts About Ladybugs

While ladybugs are adored and commonly seen in gardens, they are more than just charming insects. Delve deeper into the world of these backyard dwellers.

1. Ladybugs derive their name from the Virgin Mary.

Despite the existence of male and female ladybugs, the term “lady” is used for both. As per Merriam-Webster, the name honors the Virgin Mary. The seven-spot ladybug, a prevalent European species, has seven spots symbolizing the Virgin Mary’s seven sorrows. In Germany, they are known as Marienkäfers, meaning Mary’s beetles. 

2. They aren’t actually bugs.

Ladybugs are not true bugs—they are beetles. True bugs fall under the order Hemiptera, which includes insects like bedbugs and cicadas. Ladybugs, however, belong to the Coleoptera order, the beetle family. Entomologists often refer to them as “lady beetles” or Coccinellids.

3. Ladybugs are sometimes referred to as birds, bishops, or cows.

In certain regions of England, the ladybug is known as a bishop, though the origin of this term is unclear. Local variations include the charming bishy bishy barnabee. Today, most English speakers use the term ladybird, possibly due to their impressive flying abilities.

In many languages, the round, spotted ladybug is lovingly referred to as a little cow. For instance, in Russian, it’s called bozhya korovka, meaning “God’s little cow.” In French, it’s sometimes called vache à Dieu, or “cow of God.” Historically, the English called it a ladycow before adopting terms like bishop and ladybird. 

4. Ladybugs display a variety of colors.

While red ladybugs with black spots are common, the ladybug family boasts a spectrum of colors, including ashy gray, dull brown, and metallic blue. Their patterns also differ—some have stripes, squiggles, or no pattern at all. Spotted ladybugs vary in the number of spots; the twice-stabbed ladybug is black with two red dots, while the yellow twenty-two spot ladybug lives up to its name with 22 spots. 

Some ladybugs thrive on complexity. The harlequin ladybug can appear in yellow, red, black, or nearly any mix of these colors, with spots ranging from zero to 22.

5. Their vibrant colors serve as warnings.

Many animals avoid becoming prey by being toxic or unpleasant to eat. They produce chemicals that make them unappetizing and use bright colors as a warning to predators—similar to a stop sign or caution tape.

Striped skunks, for instance, are equipped with a potent smelly spray, and their black-and-white coloration acts as a warning. Similarly, the highly venomous coral snakes display striking red, black, and yellow stripes. Brightly colored ladybugs also serve as walking advertisements, signaling, “Don’t eat me—I’ll make you sick.” And here’s why … 

6. Ladybugs protect themselves using toxic chemicals.

Rest assured: Ladybugs pose no threat unless you consume large quantities (or if you have a rare allergy). However, many ladybugs secrete toxins that deter birds and other predators. These toxins are tied to their coloration; the brighter the ladybug, the more potent the toxins.

7. Ladybugs lay additional eggs as food for their offspring.

Ladybug mothers deposit clusters of eggs on plants, but not all eggs are meant to hatch. Some lack embryos and serve as a nutritious offering for the newly hatched larvae, which eagerly consume them. 

8. Ladybug larvae resemble tiny alligators.

When picturing baby ladybugs, you might assume they resemble miniature versions of adults—adorable, right? However, what emerges from the eggs is a spiny, elongated larva that bears a slight resemblance to an alligator.

While ladybug larvae might appear intimidating, they pose no threat to humans. They spend their time crawling, feeding, and growing until they’re prepared to transform into something even more unusual …

9. Ladybug pupae resemble extraterrestrial beings.

The next stage in a ladybug’s life cycle involves finding a suitable spot on a plant, settling down, and transforming into an alien-like pupa. Encased in a protective shell, the ladybug undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, breaking down old body structures and forming new ones. Once fully developed, the adult emerges by shedding its old skin.

10. Adult ladybugs fly using concealed wings.

Ladybugs don’t appear to be built for flight. Their vibrant, dome-shaped backs consist of hardened wing covers that serve as protective armor. Flapping these wouldn’t help them move efficiently. So, how do they manage to fly?

When a ladybug prepares to fly, it raises its protective wing covers. Beneath lies a pair of delicate, flight-ready wings that are usually folded neatly for storage but expand when it’s time to take off. 

11. Adult ladybugs endure the winter months.

While we often link adult ladybugs to sunny summer days, they remain active even during winter. They enter a dormant state and gather in clusters, often in logs or beneath leaves.

The harlequin ladybug, for instance, stays warm by invading our homes. These insects congregate in large numbers, settling into dark corners. On unusually warm days, they awaken and clumsily wander around. Thankfully, they don’t consume our food or damage furniture. However, they release a foul-smelling liquid that can stain light surfaces and may trigger allergic reactions.

12. They’re fierce predators—most of the time.

Ladybugs are adored worldwide, partly because they serve as a natural and charming pest control solution. They consume plant pests like aphids, scale bugs, and mealybugs, and their appetites are enormous: A single ladybug can devour up to 5000 aphids in its lifetime.

However, many ladybugs also include pollen and other plant-based foods in their diets. Some species feed solely on vegetation and fungi. For instance, the orange ladybug feeds on mildew. Others, like the Mexican bean beetle and squash beetle, target garden plants, such as beans, squash, cantaloupe, and pumpkin.

13. Humans are aiding the global spread of ladybug species.

Certain ladybug species have appeared in regions where they were previously absent. Their spread has occurred in two main ways: sometimes intentionally introduced to tackle agricultural pests, and other times accidentally transported via imported goods.

The outcomes haven’t always been positive. The harlequin ladybug, originally from East Asia, has invaded parts of Europe and North America. It outcompetes native species, spreads a lethal fungal parasite, and even preys on them.

14. They can negatively impact your wine.

Harlequin ladybugs have introduced a strange challenge for winemakers: ladybug taint.

Many vineyards are located near fields of crops like soybeans. Ladybugs feast on the aphids infesting these crops, but after harvest, they seek new habitats. Some migrate to vineyards and roam among the grapevines.

During the grape harvest, ladybugs are sometimes accidentally collected with the grapes. When disturbed, they release a foul-smelling defensive liquid, imparting an unpleasant flavor to the wine, often compared to peanuts or asparagus. Cheers!