Coccinellidae

Definition

A family of small, convex beetles (order Coleoptera) commonly known as ladybird beetles or ladybugs. Members are characterized by a strongly domed dorsal surface, short clubbed antennae, and often aposematic coloration—typically red or orange with black spots—that advertises chemical defenses. The family comprises over 6,000 described species with global distribution across terrestrial habitats, where they function primarily as predators of aphids, scale insects, and other small herbivores.

Etymology

From Coccinella (type genus, from Latin coccineus 'scarlet') + -idae (family suffix).

Example

The seven-spotted ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata (Coccinellidae), was introduced to North America as a biological control agent for aphid pests.

Synonyms

• Ladybird beetles
• lady beetles

Related Terms

• Coleoptera
• Coccinellinae
• Microweiseinae
• aposematic coloration
• Biological control
• convergent lady beetle

Usage Notes

Entomologists prefer 'ladybird beetles' or 'lady beetles' to avoid confusion with true bugs (Hemiptera). The common names 'ladybug' (North America) and 'ladybird' (UK) are widely used but technically imprecise. Not all species display spotted red coloration; some are black, yellow, or patternless, and a minority are herbivorous or mycophagous rather than predatory.