Ladybirds (Commonwealth English), also known as ladybugs
(American English, Canadian English) or lady beetles (some
scientists favor this) are a family, Coccinellidae ("little
sphere"), of beetles; the name is thought to allude
to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic faith. Ladybirds
are found worldwide, with over 4,500 species described,
more than 450 native to North America alone. Ladybirds
are small insects, ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm (0.04 to
0.4 inches), and are usually yellow, orange, or red with
small black spots on their carapace, and black legs, head
and feelers. As the family name suggests, they are usually
quite round in shape. Because they are useful, colorful,
and harmless to humans, ladybugs are typically considered
cute even by people who hate most insects.
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