Definition of Ladybugs or Ladybugs

One of the best known and most loving insects is the ladybug or ladybug. Belongs to the family Coccinélida and its popularity is due to its singular appearance, as it normally has a striking red color and some black dots on its shells. It is an animal with all kinds of names, such as vaquitas, cochuelas, chinitas, sanantonitas, tortolitas and others.

General data

These insects belong to the same family as coxinellid beetles. From the point of view of your classification zoological, there are about 6000 species, which are grouped into six subfamilies. The most recognized ladybug is the one with seven black dots on her back.

As for his feeding, includes fleas, aphids, mealybugs and mites. It should be noted that some species of these insects are cannibals.

These animals practice hibernation, that is, during the winter they remain at rest under the leaves and survive due to the fat stored in their body

A curious fact about this insect is related to its longevity, since they live between 180 days and 3 years, a very rare difference in the animal kingdom.

Ladybugs hatch from eggs, which are deposited in large numbers on trees (each one lays about 50 eggs). It is a terrestrial animal but it can fly, since under its shell it has wings. Males are smaller than females and are roughly the size of a fingernail.

By having a striking color, they become easy prey for other predators. To defend themselves they use a strategy singular: they give off a smell that is unpleasant and in this way they manage to save themselves from other species. Another striking feature is their powerful sense of smell, which is located on their legs.

Beyond the zoological features

Humans give animals a value symbolic. In the case of ladybugs, in countries like Switzerland or Iran the presence of these insects is a sign of good luck.

These insects were highly prized among the farmers of the Middle Ages, who believed that ladybugs had been sent by the Virgin Mary to protect her crops (this belief popular had a scientific basis, since ladybugs feed on pests that destroy crops).

Among the smallest this insect with bright colors is very attractive and for this reason In many children's stories, ladybugs are presented as nice and funny beings.

Photo: Fotolia - CZ