Ladybugs /Coccinellidae/

How do they look?

Ladybugs are 1.5-9 mm long, brightly colored beetles with an oval, top-rounded body. They can be red, yellow, brown, orange, and black.

Where do they live?

They inhabit various environments such as gardens, meadows, and forests.

What do they eat?

It is a predatory insect that feeds on aphids or other small, immobile insects. Both the adult ladybug and its larva can consume about a hundred aphids per day.

Interesting and important facts

In Latvia, there are approximately 50 species of ladybugs. Ladybugs have no natural enemies as their bright color serves as a warning not to attack them. In moments of danger, they release a toxic, orange fluid at their joints, which can irritate the attacker's mouth. Ladybugs play a crucial role in pest control, feeding on aphids, scale insects, mites, and other harmful pests, making them valuable for biological plant protection. In many cultures, ladybugs are considered symbols of good luck.

Information sources: Wikipedia, Kreslina L. ‘Insects in Latvia’

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