Ladybugs

Ladybugs are reddish orange-colored insects with small black spots, black legs and antennae.There are nearly 5000 species of ladybugs worldwide. In the U.S. there are about 400 varieties, the vast majority of which are beneficial to the garden, eating plant-destroying pests, like aphids. A single one of these helpful creatures is known to consume 50-60 aphids per day, and is the reason that many gardeners will purchase and import ladybugs into their gardens.http://www.buglogical.com/ladybugs_control_aphids/ladybugs.asp A few species around the world, though, are known for eating plants or otherwise being destructive.http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/ladybug/

The many helpful varieties of ladybugs are the reason they are named as such. In Europe during the Middle Ages, desperate Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary to save their crops. Some time later, ladybugs appeared and began to feast on the destructive insects, thereby saving the crops. Due to this good fortune, the farmers began referring to the bugs as "The Beetles of Our Lady", and over time the name morphed into the current moniker we use.http://www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm They are also called ladybirds, lady beetles or lucky bugs. Ladybugs are beneficial insects which help to control many pests.

1. Kingdom: Animalia
2. Phylum: Arthropoda
3. Class: Insecta
4. Order: Coleoptera
5. Family: Coccinellidae or Beetles
6. Genus: Hippodamia

• Ladybugs use their antennae to touch, smell and taste
• Ladybugs beat their wings 85 times a second when they flySan Diego Zoo: Ladybug
• The ladybug is the official state bug of Delaware and the official state insect of New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio and TennesseeNetState: Official Delaware State Bug - Lady Bug

• Coccinellinae
• Scymninae
• Epilachninae
• Decadomius