Family overview
Small, rounded, often brightly colored (red, orange, yellow) with spots. Short legs withdrawn under body. Releases foul-smelling yellow blood (reflex bleeding) when threatened.
Major aphid predators — a single ladybug can eat 5,000 aphids in its life. Heavily used in biocontrol.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial · Plants
Approx. species
6,000
Notable members
Convergent lady beetle, seven-spotted ladybug, Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis)