Ladybird on a leafMid-larva stagePupal stage
Discover great deals on the many hard to find and one of a kind items available only on ebay!

This site contains sponsored affiliate links.

Ladybug

Ladybirds (Commonwealth English), also known as ladybugs (American English, Canadian English) or lady beetles (some scientists favor this) are a family, Coccinellidae ("little sphere"), of beetles; the name is thought to allude to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic faith. more...

HomeHome
AmphibianAmphibian
ArthropodArthropod
AntAnt
AphidAphid
BedbugBedbug
BeeBee
BeetleBeetle
Black WidowBlack Widow
BumblebeeBumblebee
CentipedeCentipede
CrabCrab
CricketCricket
Daddy LonglegsDaddy Longlegs
DragonflyDragonfly
EarthwormEarthworm
EarwigEarwig
FireflyFirefly
GlowwormGlowworm
GnatGnat
GrasshopperGrasshopper
Hermit CrabHermit Crab
HornetHornet
KatydidKatydid
LadybugLadybug
LiceLice
LobsterLobster
LocustLocust
MayflyMayfly
MillipedeMillipede
MosquitoMosquito
MothMoth
Praying MantisPraying Mantis
ScarabScarab
ScorpionScorpion
Sea MonkeySea Monkey
ShrimpShrimp
SpiderSpider
TarantulaTarantula
TickTick
TrilobiteTrilobite
WaspWasp
Wolf SpiderWolf Spider
YellowjacketYellowjacket
BirdBird
CatCat
DinosaurDinosaur
DogDog
FishFish
MammalMammal
MythologicalMythological
ReptileReptile


Ladybirds are found worldwide, with over 4,500 species described, more than 450 native to North America alone. Ladybirds are small insects, ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm (0.04 to 0.4 inches), and are usually yellow, orange, or red with small black spots on their carapace, and black legs, head and feelers. As the family name suggests, they are usually quite round in shape. Because they are useful, colorful, and harmless to humans, ladybirds are typically considered cute even by people who hate most insects.

Biology

Ladybirds are brightly colored to ward away potential predators. This defence works because most predators associate bright colors (especially orange and black or yellow and black) with poison and other unpleasant properties. This phenomenon is called aposematism. In fact, most ladybirds are indeed toxic to smaller predators, such as lizards and small birds; however, a human would have to eat several hundred ladybugs before feeling any effects. Adult ladybirds are able to reflex-bleed from their leg joints, releasing their oily yellow toxin with a strong repellent smell. This becomes quite obvious when one handles a ladybird roughly.

The ladybird beetle copulates for up to nine hours at a time, and males may have three 90-minute orgasms in one session. Ladybirds lay eggs which hatch into a larval state. The larvae then go into a pupal stage before becoming an adult ladybird.

Ladybirds lay extra infertile eggs with the fertile eggs. These appear to provide a backup food source for the larvae when they hatch. The ratio of infertile to fertile eggs increases as with scarcity of food at the time of egg laying. (Perry & Roitberg, 2005)

Commercial usage

Ladybirds are beneficial to organic gardeners because most species are insectivores, consuming aphids, fruit flies, thrips, and other tiny plant-sucking insects that damage crops. In fact, their name is derived from "Beetle of Our Lady", recognizing their role in saving crops from destruction. Today they are commercially available from a variety of suppliers.

In agriculture, ladybirds, like other beetles, can find protection in beetle banks.

Culture

Ladybirds are and have for very many years been favourite insects of children, who are reputed to regard them tenderly. The insects had many regional names (now mostly disused) such as the lady-cow, May-bug, golden-knop, golden-bugs (Suffolk); and variations on Bishop-Barnaby (Barney, Burney) Barnabee, Burnabee, and the Bishop-that-burneth.

The ladybird is immortalized in the children's nursery rhyme extant:

Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home
Your house is on fire and your children are gone
All except one, and that's Little Anne
For she has crept under the warming pan.

and ancient (recounted in an 1851 publication):

Dowdy-cow, dowdy-cow, ride away heame,
Thy house is burnt, and thy bairns are tean,
And if thou means to save thy bairns
Take thy wings and flee away!

The name which the insect bears in the various languages of Europe is clearly mythic. In this, as in other cases, the Blessed Virgin Mary has supplanted Freya, the fertility goddess of Norse mythology; so that Freyjuhaena and Frouehenge have been changed into Marienvoglein, which corresponds with Our Lady's Bird. There, can, therefore, be little doubt that the esteem with which the lady-bird, or Our Lady's cow, is still regarded, is a relic of ancient beliefs. In parts of Northern Europe, tradition says you get a wish granted if a ladybug lands on you. In Italy it is said by some, that if a Ladybird or Ladybug flies into your bedroom, that it is considered good luck.

The ladybird is the symbol of the Dutch Foundation Against Senseless Violence. you can see the logo here. Other companies using ladybirds as their corporate logo include Ladybird Books (owned by Pearson PLC and the Ladybird range of children's clothing sold by Woolworth's in the UK.

Notable species

Note that not all individuals show the number of spots suggested by their names:

  • Seven-spotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata
  • Two-spotted lady beetle, Adalia bipunctata
  • Convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens
  • Thirteen-spotted lady beetle, Hippodamia tredecimpunctata
  • Spotted lady beetle, Coleomegilla maculata
  • Twice-stabbed lady beetle, Chilocurus stigma
  • Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant
  • Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis
  • Mealybug Ladybird, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

For a complete list of genera, see list of Coccinellidae genera.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]

McCall's Crafts Pattern M6720 14" Hopping Ball Covers Shark Ladybug Mouse LambMcCall's Crafts Pattern M6720 14" Hopping Ball Covers Shark Ladybug Mouse Lamb $2.39 Vintage Red-Black Wood Wooden Lady Bug Pierced Earrings B103Vintage Red-Black Wood Wooden Lady Bug Pierced Earrings B103 $5.99
Wilton Ladybug Cake Pan 2105-3316 2005Wilton Ladybug Cake Pan 2105-3316 2005 $12.99 Vintage 1971 Matchbox Volkswagen Beetle Superfast No. Vi Lady Bug - Lesney ProdVintage 1971 Matchbox Volkswagen Beetle Superfast No. Vi Lady Bug - Lesney Prod $6.99
Wonder Kids Baby Girl 2 Piece Sundress Size 12 MonthsWonder Kids Baby Girl 2 Piece Sundress Size 12 Months $9.99 Lilly Pulitzer Ladybug Patch Shorts Sz 4Lilly Pulitzer Ladybug Patch Shorts Sz 4 $24.00
Spyderco Ladybug 3 Lockback Stainless Folding Blade Purple Handle Knife Lprp3Spyderco Ladybug 3 Lockback Stainless Folding Blade Purple Handle Knife Lprp3 $50.00 Frog and Ladybug hand created Goose Egg Ornament by Aimee Aiggs (signed)Frog and Ladybug hand created Goose Egg Ornament by Aimee Aiggs (signed) $40.00
Anne Geddes Sleeping Baby Ladybugs Limited Edition Doll w/BoxAnne Geddes Sleeping Baby Ladybugs Limited Edition Doll w/Box $35.00 Vintage Retro 70’s Insect Lady Bug Wooden Handmade Sculpture w/Metal Wire LegsVintage Retro 70’s Insect Lady Bug Wooden Handmade Sculpture w/Metal Wire Legs $16.99
Vintage Ladybug & Lobster Brooch SetVintage Ladybug & Lobster Brooch Set $4.99 Yellow Lady Bug Sundress For Mini Paola Reina and Kruselings.Yellow Lady Bug Sundress For Mini Paola Reina and Kruselings. $25.00
Vintage Dingbats Lucky Ladybug WatchVintage Dingbats Lucky Ladybug Watch $12.00 Vintage pink Leaf Pin Brooch Silver Tone Ladybug RhinestoneVintage pink Leaf Pin Brooch Silver Tone Ladybug Rhinestone $14.99
Radley London Ladybug Coin PurseRadley London Ladybug Coin Purse $45.00 Vintage Mws Italy Sterling Rolo Link Chain Enamel Ladybug Tennis BraceletVintage Mws Italy Sterling Rolo Link Chain Enamel Ladybug Tennis Bracelet $39.99
Miraculous Ladybug Surprise Miraball: Ladybug's Yo-YoMiraculous Ladybug Surprise Miraball: Ladybug's Yo-Yo $5.00 Vera Bradley Large Zip Around Wallet Lavender Pearl W/ Beautiful Lady Bug LiningVera Bradley Large Zip Around Wallet Lavender Pearl W/ Beautiful Lady Bug Lining $7.99
Enamel Ladybugs On Dillard's Flower Trimmings Holiday Ornament w/ Velvet Box-TagEnamel Ladybugs On Dillard's Flower Trimmings Holiday Ornament w/ Velvet Box-Tag $8.75 1982 Fisher Price Pull Behind Lady Bug #695 Toy1982 Fisher Price Pull Behind Lady Bug #695 Toy $9.00
Happy Dog Flying With Balloons Mug 2 Handles Ladybugs Kelly B Rightsell PortugalHappy Dog Flying With Balloons Mug 2 Handles Ladybugs Kelly B Rightsell Portugal $8.95 Miraculous Ladybug Kwami Squish 'Ums Sass Snake & Pollen Bee Foam FiguresMiraculous Ladybug Kwami Squish 'Ums Sass Snake & Pollen Bee Foam Figures $9.00
Silver Tone Ladybug On Flower OrnamentSilver Tone Ladybug On Flower Ornament $12.00 Beautiful Smocked Lady bug Dress Size 6MBeautiful Smocked Lady bug Dress Size 6M $15.00
Girls Gymboree Pretty Lady shorts size 18-24 mo-Vguc-white, ladybugs, stretchyGirls Gymboree Pretty Lady shorts size 18-24 mo-Vguc-white, ladybugs, stretchy $2.50 Vintage Gold Tone Red Ladybug Pin BroochVintage Gold Tone Red Ladybug Pin Brooch $3.99
Musical Picture Frame Sunflowers Ladybugs You Are My Sunshine Daughter Mom GirlMusical Picture Frame Sunflowers Ladybugs You Are My Sunshine Daughter Mom Girl $32.99 New Ladybug Saying on Round Tin Sign/Door Hanger Decor Absolutely PreciousNew Ladybug Saying on Round Tin Sign/Door Hanger Decor Absolutely Precious $6.32
Lot Of 4 Nwt Boyd Bears Plush Lady Bug Fob 2001 Bumble Buzz Best Dressed TaggedLot Of 4 Nwt Boyd Bears Plush Lady Bug Fob 2001 Bumble Buzz Best Dressed Tagged $20.00 Williams Sonoma Exclusive 2013 Jardin Des Fleurs Mug Ladybug Butterfly GreyWilliams Sonoma Exclusive 2013 Jardin Des Fleurs Mug Ladybug Butterfly Grey $9.99
Signed Swarovski Gold Plated Ladybug Brooch BundleSigned Swarovski Gold Plated Ladybug Brooch Bundle $29.99 McDonald’s Madame Alexander 5" Girl Doll Lady Bug Girl 2003 NewMcDonald’s Madame Alexander 5" Girl Doll Lady Bug Girl 2003 New $2.99
Vintage Enamel Pin Ladybug Beetle Style Pastel Spring ColorsVintage Enamel Pin Ladybug Beetle Style Pastel Spring Colors $8.00 Red Lady Bug Jaclyn Smith Tote Bag W/ Black Coin PurseRed Lady Bug Jaclyn Smith Tote Bag W/ Black Coin Purse $8.99
1:12 Scale Miniature Artisan Fantasy Magic Rhinodendrum Plant & Grim Reaper Rat1:12 Scale Miniature Artisan Fantasy Magic Rhinodendrum Plant & Grim Reaper Rat $10.00 A Beautiful Pair of Lady Bug Brooches, 1 Red, 1 Black, Great ShapeA Beautiful Pair of Lady Bug Brooches, 1 Red, 1 Black, Great Shape $23.95
Vintage Signed Landau Rhinestone Lady Bug Beetle Brooch Pin StunningVintage Signed Landau Rhinestone Lady Bug Beetle Brooch Pin Stunning $24.99 Lady Bug Beaded stretch braceletLady Bug Beaded stretch bracelet $3.99
Bonnie Jean Girls Size 6 Ladybug Glitter DressBonnie Jean Girls Size 6 Ladybug Glitter Dress $14.99 Adult 3 Piece Ladybug Costume Medium Women’sAdult 3 Piece Ladybug Costume Medium Women’s $2.00
Zag Heroez Miraculous Ladybug Spotted Balloons Sticker pages Keychains moreZag Heroez Miraculous Ladybug Spotted Balloons Sticker pages Keychains more $29.99 Vintage Vera Neumann 2 Tea Towels Floral Ladybug 27"x15"Vintage Vera Neumann 2 Tea Towels Floral Ladybug 27"x15" $9.99
Spyderco Ladybug Knife Made In Seki Japan Lockback Black Frn Handle Ss BladeSpyderco Ladybug Knife Made In Seki Japan Lockback Black Frn Handle Ss Blade $17.50 Vintage Judith Jack Gold Plated Ladybug Pin With Faux PearlVintage Judith Jack Gold Plated Ladybug Pin With Faux Pearl $55.00
14X Unidentified Ladybird Beetles Coccinellidae Coleoptera Southeast Texas E1414X Unidentified Ladybird Beetles Coccinellidae Coleoptera Southeast Texas E14 $1.50 Vintage Joan Rivers Collection Ladybug Necklace & Brooch Pin SetVintage Joan Rivers Collection Ladybug Necklace & Brooch Pin Set $29.99
Ty Beanie Baby Lucky the Ladybug 4th Gen Retired - 12 Spots w/ error? HandmadeTy Beanie Baby Lucky the Ladybug 4th Gen Retired - 12 Spots w/ error? Handmade $6.37 Vtg Barabara Pelowski enamel art dish leaf pattern lady bug insignia Fall bowlVtg Barabara Pelowski enamel art dish leaf pattern lady bug insignia Fall bowl $29.99
1996 Lord Byron's Harmony Kingdom Garden Chrysanthemum Ladybug Sculpted Box1996 Lord Byron's Harmony Kingdom Garden Chrysanthemum Ladybug Sculpted Box $18.00 Vera Neumann Vintage Silk Scarf Orange Yellow Pink Paisley 34.5" Square LadybugVera Neumann Vintage Silk Scarf Orange Yellow Pink Paisley 34.5" Square Ladybug $25.00
Kafer Munchen - Arzberg - Lady Bug Cup And Saucer - Made In GermanyKafer Munchen - Arzberg - Lady Bug Cup And Saucer - Made In Germany $15.00 50" Ladybug Daisy Flower WindSock Wind Spinner Streamer Vintage 2001 Nce Nylon50" Ladybug Daisy Flower WindSock Wind Spinner Streamer Vintage 2001 Nce Nylon $25.00
The Multiversity: the Deluxe Edition (Dc Comics December 2015)The Multiversity: the Deluxe Edition (Dc Comics December 2015) $10.00 Vintage Electric Lady Bug LightVintage Electric Lady Bug Light $35.00
Baccarat France Ladybug clear glass/crystal w/box & bag figurine PaperweightBaccarat France Ladybug clear glass/crystal w/box & bag figurine Paperweight $50.00 Littlest Pet Shop Totally Talented Cocker Spaniel #2688 & Ladybug #2689 UsedLittlest Pet Shop Totally Talented Cocker Spaniel #2688 & Ladybug #2689 Used $26.99
Baby Lovey Plush Doll Douglas Butterfly Ladybug Satin Security Blanket Pink SoftBaby Lovey Plush Doll Douglas Butterfly Ladybug Satin Security Blanket Pink Soft $9.95 Decorative Bed Pillow - Don't Let The Bed Bugs BiteDecorative Bed Pillow - Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite $2.74
Two Little Girls 4T Pink Tanktops: Jumping Beans Ladybug/Healthtex Polka DotTwo Little Girls 4T Pink Tanktops: Jumping Beans Ladybug/Healthtex Polka Dot $3.00 Red & Black Ladybug Halloween Costume~Dress and Wings~Girls Medium (8-10)Red & Black Ladybug Halloween Costume~Dress and Wings~Girls Medium (8-10) $5.00
2023 San Diego Conic Con Exclusive Miraculous Lady Bug 10" Plush- Tikki2023 San Diego Conic Con Exclusive Miraculous Lady Bug 10" Plush- Tikki $35.00 Cat Noir Miraculous Ladybug Fashion Doll Action FigureCat Noir Miraculous Ladybug Fashion Doll Action Figure $6.00
Mma Crystal Ladybug Paperweight Beetle Hand Cut Figurine Made in HungaryMma Crystal Ladybug Paperweight Beetle Hand Cut Figurine Made in Hungary $2.99 Ty Beanie Baby Lucky The Ladybug with Spots Plush ToyTy Beanie Baby Lucky The Ladybug with Spots Plush Toy $5.000 bids ·
3 pair Women's All-Purpose Ladybug / Bumble Bee Socks - One Size Fits Most3 pair Women's All-Purpose Ladybug / Bumble Bee Socks - One Size Fits Most $9.99 Vintage Japan tin lady bug wind up toy works and crawls ladybug beetleVintage Japan tin lady bug wind up toy works and crawls ladybug beetle $9.99
Vintage Pair Of Signed Brooch/Pins Rhinestone Jesara Bee & Kjl Ladybug BugVintage Pair Of Signed Brooch/Pins Rhinestone Jesara Bee & Kjl Ladybug Bug $40.00 Ceramic Ladybug PlateCeramic Ladybug Plate $13.83
Pandora #792571C01 Red Ladybird Dangle CharmPandora #792571C01 Red Ladybird Dangle Charm $12.00 Vintage Silver Tone Lady Bug Brooch PinVintage Silver Tone Lady Bug Brooch Pin $9.99
Vintage Ladybug Bracelet Red & Silver And Black EnamelVintage Ladybug Bracelet Red & Silver And Black Enamel $15.00 Vintage • Quality Made! Quilted Appliqued Red Ladybugs Blanket 60"x51" (185)Vintage • Quality Made! Quilted Appliqued Red Ladybugs Blanket 60"x51" (185) $79.00
Goodwinds Kites Lil' Ladybug Stunt Kite Never FlownGoodwinds Kites Lil' Ladybug Stunt Kite Never Flown $5.00 Lady Bug Bank and has The Plug Job #2093/0410 Pre-OwnedLady Bug Bank and has The Plug Job #2093/0410 Pre-Owned $5.99
Ladybug Pepper Oven Mitts, Handmade By Women's Co Op In Mexico, Set of 2.Ladybug Pepper Oven Mitts, Handmade By Women's Co Op In Mexico, Set of 2. $5.00 Gorgeous *Rare* Vintage Premier Designs Gold Tone Lady Bug Charm Hinged BraceletGorgeous *Rare* Vintage Premier Designs Gold Tone Lady Bug Charm Hinged Bracelet $45.88
Soma Cool Nights Lounge Pjs Size Xl Lady Bug Stretchy Relaxation SleepSoma Cool Nights Lounge Pjs Size Xl Lady Bug Stretchy Relaxation Sleep $16.50 1967 Hot Wheels Redline Custom Volkswagen Orange Lady Bug Beetle Hong Kong Vtg1967 Hot Wheels Redline Custom Volkswagen Orange Lady Bug Beetle Hong Kong Vtg $25.00
Youngland Baby Girl's Red Gingham Seersucker Dress w/Lady Bugs 24 MonthsYoungland Baby Girl's Red Gingham Seersucker Dress w/Lady Bugs 24 Months $3.00 Wayne Gretzky Nhl Hockey Card 1991-92 Topps #520 LadyBugWayne Gretzky Nhl Hockey Card 1991-92 Topps #520 LadyBug $1.00
Garden Ladybug / Flower Screen Printed Garden FlagGarden Ladybug / Flower Screen Printed Garden Flag $3.00 Disney Ladybug Watch Pink Strap with 5 Ladybug Patches and 1 Sun PatchDisney Ladybug Watch Pink Strap with 5 Ladybug Patches and 1 Sun Patch $6.00
costume jewelry lot lbs/Gold Toned/Pearls & Sparkle With Sunflowers/Ladybugscostume jewelry lot lbs/Gold Toned/Pearls & Sparkle With Sunflowers/Ladybugs $25.00 Ty Beanie Boo Unicorn Plush Back Pack 11" 2018 & Ladybug ClipTy Beanie Boo Unicorn Plush Back Pack 11" 2018 & Ladybug Clip $5.80
New I Love You Forever Romantic Couple Pair Ladybug Heart Pendant NecklaceNew I Love You Forever Romantic Couple Pair Ladybug Heart Pendant Necklace $3.99 Jade With Ladybug Charm BraceletJade With Ladybug Charm Bracelet $4.44
Gambia,ladybugs,S.C.#3582 -3 S.C.V.$17.5 Mnh 2 complete S/S as issued in 2014Gambia,ladybugs,S.C.#3582 -3 S.C.V.$17.5 Mnh 2 complete S/S as issued in 2014 $5.99 Handmade Red Black beaded Anklet with Ladybug charm Ooak ankle braceletHandmade Red Black beaded Anklet with Ladybug charm Ooak ankle bracelet $3.95
Spooky Hollow Child Dress Up Ladybug Costume One Size ChildSpooky Hollow Child Dress Up Ladybug Costume One Size Child $9.85 Matilda Jane Girls Size 6 Tank Capris Set Green Ladybugs Pink VgucMatilda Jane Girls Size 6 Tank Capris Set Green Ladybugs Pink Vguc $33.99
Red Ladybug Tervis Tumbler, 16 ozRed Ladybug Tervis Tumbler, 16 oz $4.99 Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir #1 (Kodansha Usa August 2023)Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir #1 (Kodansha Usa August 2023) $3.14
Collectible, Elephant holding a ladybug on its trunk. Made From ResinCollectible, Elephant holding a ladybug on its trunk. Made From Resin $9.00 Erwin Pearl 1" enamel ladybug broochErwin Pearl 1" enamel ladybug brooch $12.00
Vintage Limoges porcelain ladybug eggVintage Limoges porcelain ladybug egg $17.65 Limoges ladybug egg shaped trinket boxLimoges ladybug egg shaped trinket box $17.50
Brighton Fortune Blue Ladybug Horseshoe Heart Toggle Bracelet *Retired*Brighton Fortune Blue Ladybug Horseshoe Heart Toggle Bracelet *Retired* $19.50 Miraculous Ladybug Cat Noir Doll 11" Playmates Toys 2020Miraculous Ladybug Cat Noir Doll 11" Playmates Toys 2020 $7.00
Ladybird Books Ltd Ali Baba And The Forty Thieves Hardcover Vtg Read CollectibleLadybird Books Ltd Ali Baba And The Forty Thieves Hardcover Vtg Read Collectible $7.00 Ty Beanie Buddy Lucky the Ladybug 9" Long Retired W/ TagsTy Beanie Buddy Lucky the Ladybug 9" Long Retired W/ Tags $10.00
Click to see more Ladybug items at www.ebay.com
Prices current as of last update, 05/22/25 10:35pm.

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links eBay