Seven-spotted Ladybug

1．Animal Profile

COMMON NAME

Seven-spotted Ladybug

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Coccinella septempunctata

CLASSIFICATION

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Coleoptera
  • Family: Coccinellidae
  • Genus: Coccinella
  • Species: C. septempunctata

SIZE

  • Length: 0.2 - 0.4 inches
  • Weight: 0.0007 - 0.0011 ounces

POPULATION

Widely distributed and not considered endangered.

HABITAT

Fields, gardens, and grasslands worldwide, especially in temperate regions

DIET

Primarily aphids and other small soft-bodied insects

LIFESPAN

  • In the wild: approximately 1 year
  • In captivity: about 1-2 years

2．Family Time: Animal Quiz

How Much Do You Know About Seven-spotted Ladybugs?

 

  1. Why is the seven-spotted ladybug called "seven-spotted"?
  2. Because it has seven spots
  3. Because it has seven legs
  4. Because it can fly for seven days

Answer: A. Because it has seven spots

Explanation: The seven-spotted ladybug gets its name from the seven black spots on its red wing covers, which are a distinctive feature of this species.

 

  1. What is the primary diet of the seven-spotted ladybug?
  2. Pollen
  3. Leaves
  4. Aphids

Answer: C. Aphids

Explanation: Seven-spotted ladybugs are beneficial insects in gardens and fields, primarily feeding on aphids, which helps control pest populations.

 

  1. What substance do seven-spotted ladybugs release when threatened?
  2. Venom
  3. Yellow fluid
  4. Odor

Answer: B. Yellow fluid

Explanation: When threatened, seven-spotted ladybugs release a foul-smelling yellow fluid from their legs to deter predators.

 

  1. What is the purpose of the color of the seven-spotted ladybug's wing covers?
  2. To attract mates
  3. To scare away predators
  4. To protect itself

Answer: B. To scare away predators

Explanation: The bright red color and black spots on a seven-spotted ladybug are warning colors, signaling to predators that they may be toxic or unpalatable.

 

  1. What do seven-spotted ladybug larvae look like?
  2. Small lizards
  3. Small fish
  4. Tiny alligators

Answer: C. Tiny alligators

Explanation: Seven-spotted ladybug larvae are elongated and somewhat resemble tiny alligators, with spiky bodies and a voracious appetite for aphids.

3．Unbelievable Fun Facts About Seven-spotted Ladybugs

Seven-spotted ladybugs can consume a large number of aphids.

An adult ladybug can eat up to 50 aphids in a day, making them highly

effective for pest control.

 

Ladybugs play dead to avoid predators.

When threatened, seven-spotted ladybugs can drop to the ground and

play dead, making them less appealing to predators.

 

Seven-spotted ladybugs hibernate in groups.

During the winter, these ladybugs gather in large groups to hibernate,

often finding shelter in cracks, crevices, or under bark.

 

The color of a ladybug's spots can indicate its age.

As seven-spotted ladybugs age, their spots can fade, which can help in

estimating their age.

 

Ladybugs have been symbols of good luck in many cultures.

Many cultures consider ladybugs to be symbols of good fortune and

believe that having them around brings luck.

4．Animal Introduction

The seven-spotted ladybug (scientific name: Coccinella septempunctata) is a widely recognized and beloved insect known for its distinctive red wing covers adorned with seven black spots. These small beetles inhabit fields, gardens, and grasslands across the world, particularly thriving in temperate regions. As voracious predators of aphids and other small insects, seven-spotted ladybugs are highly valued for their role in natural pest control.

At birth, ladybug larvae are small and somewhat resemble tiny alligators with spiky bodies. These larvae undergo metamorphosis to become the familiar red and black-spotted adults. When threatened, seven-spotted ladybugs can release a foul-smelling yellow fluid from their legs to deter predators. They also use their bright coloration as a warning signal to potential predators, indicating that they may be toxic or unpalatable.

Seven-spotted ladybugs are not currently considered endangered and have a lifespan of about one year in the wild. They are known to hibernate in large groups during the winter months, seeking shelter in crevices and under bark. Culturally, ladybugs are often seen as symbols of good luck and are welcomed in gardens and homes for their beneficial role in controlling pest populations.

Through their unique behaviors and ecological importance, seven-spotted ladybugs continue to captivate and benefit humans worldwide, ensuring their continued presence in various habitats.