![]() ![]() A genus of small black ladybirds, Stethorus, presents one example of predation on non-Sternorrhyncha they specialise in mites as prey, notably Tetranychus spider mites. Ĭoccinellids are best known as predators of Sternorrhyncha such as aphids and scale insects, but the range of prey species that various Coccinellidae may attack is much wider. Coccinellids are found worldwide, with over 6,000 species described. For example, a minority of species, such as Vibidia duodecimguttata, a twelve-spotted species, have whitish spots on a brown background. There is, however, great variation in these colour patterns. DescriptionĬoccinellids are often conspicuously coloured yellow, orange, or red with small black spots on their wing covers, with black legs, heads and antennae. Common names in some other European languages share associations for example, the German name Marienkäfer translates to Marybeetle. In the United States, the name was adapted to ladybug. Mary (Our Lady) was often depicted wearing a red cloak in early paintings, and the spots of the seven-spot ladybird (the most common in Europe) were said to symbolise her seven joys and seven sorrows. The name ladybird originated in Britain where the insects became known as "Our Lady's bird" or the Lady beetle. The name coccinellids is derived from the Latin word coccineus meaning "scarlet".
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