Ladybird
(Coccinellidae)
There are 5000 species of ladybirds in the world and 30 can be found in Scotland. Americans call them “ladybugs” but they should say “ladybeetles”, since beetles these fine creatures indeed are.
Different species have between zero and 24 spots. Most are red but some are orange or yellow. The seven-spot ladybird is the most common in Scotland and can be found in a range of habitats in Killearn from gardens and farms to woods and watersides.
Ladybirds are common here, and most active in the warm months of late spring to early autumn. They are diurnal (busy in daytime) and they hibernate in winter.
They are omnivores but their favourite food is greenfly (aphids), which makes them friends of farmers and gardeners. One ladybird can eat up to 5000 aphids in its life.
Ladybirds are associated in many cultures with good fortune, success and positivity. Their name means “scarlet” and derives from “Our Lady’s Bird”, a reference to the Virgin Mary.
Fascinating fact:
Ladybirds can crawl (or fly) at up to 45km ph.
Ladybirds live for one to two years. They are insects, so have six legs each. As beetles, they have an “exoskeleton”, an external “shell” that covers and protects the wings. They have mandibles (jaws that move side to side) rather than teeth.
Female ladybirds lay three to five eggs, near prey so the young will have plenty to eat. The eggs become larvae after three to 10 days, moulting up to four times in the process, then pupae, then adults.
Did you know
Ladybird pupae devour up to 400 aphids in a fortnight.