ladybug

Ladybug
Beetles
• Ladybugs are actually beetles that possess two hard shells that are wing cases called elytra. The shells are typically red featuring black spots. Their hind wings are transparentand are used to propel the bugs. The ladybug can fly but is much better on the ground and is considered a ground bug. It can only fly 15 miles per hour, although it can fly a long distance if it hasto. The ladybug can fly up to 100 miles to find a sheltered place to spend the winter or to find food.
Legs
• The ladybug climbs and walks using six legs and uses the legs to groom itself. A claw onthe end of each leg allows the bug to grip stems and leaves. The ladybug uses its two antennae for touching and smelling.

Types
• Types of ladybugs that you will find in North America include thenine-spotted ladybug; the two-spotted ladybug; the spotless ladybug; the convergent ladybug and the ashy gray ladybug, which is not red.
Function
• Ladybugs eat aphids and other insects, includingscale insects, which farmers appreciate. Aphids wreak havoc on wheat and roses, and scale insects attack orchard trees. The ladybug prevents these insects from doing damage. An adult convergent ladybeetle can eat up to 75 aphids a day and a small male can eat 40. Ladybugs have strong jaw bones which helps them eat these insects.
Defenses
• Ladybugs do not taste good, which protects them frombeing killed by birds and other predators. The female bugs produce a nasty odor that comes from the fluid in their leg joints, which also protects them from predators that find the smell offensive. Ifyou disturb a ladybug, it may fool you by rolling over and pretending to be dead. Ladybug predators don't eat dead insects, so this is a ploy to keep them safe.


Cold Weather
• When it gets coldoutside, the ladybugs look for shelter and turn up in your house, where they rest quietly. This resting time is called diapauses. You may find lots of ladybugs huddled together during this period of...