Ladybugs

Description: Ladybugs are insects, they have 6 legs. Their body has 3 parts: a head, thorax and abdomen. On the ladybug's head you will find two antennae. They also have two sets of jaws to capture, hold, and chew food. Ladybugs are about one third of an inch long. Some can be bigger. Ladybugs have black, gold, red, or orange spots on their backs. The ladybug's life cycle has 4 stages: Stage 1: Eggs Stage 2: Larva Stage 3: Pupa Stage 4: Adult Defense: The ladybug's bright colors warn predators and enemies to stay away. Ladybugs have a bitter taste. Bugs who taste them will loose their appetite. Diet: Ladybugs are carnivores. They eat meat. Their favorite food is a tiny insect called an aphid. Some types of ladybugs eat plants such as beans, squash, and potato chip plants. Habitat: Ladybugs live on the plants where they find food. In the winter, ladybugs hibernate under fallen leaves, logs or under rocks. Some kinds of ladybugs form large groups and fly together to a specific hibernating spot. They rest in one big pile. Cool facts: Ladybugs are beetles. A ladybug can fly up to 15 miles an hour. Temperature and humidity play a role in how many spots ladybugs have. One true enemy of the ladybug is the ant. The ant and the ladybug eat the same food. Ladybugs are related to fireflies.