45+ Interesting Facts About Ladybugs [Free Fact Cards]

Have you ever spotted a tiny red bug with black spots crawling on a leaf or even landing on your hand? That’s a ladybug, one of the most loved and luckiest bugs around! These little critters might be small, but they’re full of surprises and fascinating facts. Ready to flutter into the world of ladybugs and learn some cool stuff? Then, let’s dive in with these interesting facts about ladybugs!

While many ladybugs are red with black spots, they can also be orange, yellow, or even all black! And did you know that some ladybugs have lots, while others might have just a few or none at all. Their colorful outfits aren’t just for looks; they actually help warn birds and other animals that they might not taste very good.

Did you know that even though we call these cute bugs “ladybugs” in the U.S., in many other places, they’re known as “ladybirds.” No, they’re not birds, but this cute name has stuck around for a long time.

Ladybugs aren’t just pretty to look at; they’re also garden heroes! These tiny creatures love munching on pesky insects that harm plants. So, if you see them in your garden, give them a thumbs up for helping keep things green and healthy.

Are you buzzing with excitement with these fascinating facts about ladybugs? Awesome! From their vibrant colors to their important job in nature, ladybugs are more than just a pretty face. Let’s dive deeper into the spots and secrets of these little wonders and see what else we can discover!

Don’t forget to download your facts about ladybugs cards to add to your growing collection of fact cards! Have you grabbed your Facts About Blizzards cards or your Facts About Red Wolves cards? Be sure you do!

Best Facts about Ladybugs

1. There are about 5,000 different species of ladybugs in the world.
2. These small insects are more accurately called ladybeetles or ladybird beetles. 
3. Ladybugs bleed from their knees when threatened.
4. Not All Ladybugs Are Black and Red.
5. The name ladybug was originally called “ladybird”. Originated in Britain where the insects became known as “Our Lady’s bird” or the Lady beetle.

6. The ladybug was first discovered in the year 1853 in Colorado, USA.
7. Ladybugs and ladybug larvae eat more than 50 different species of aphids, and can eat more than 500 aphids a day! 
8. They can have as many as 16 spots, but some ladybugs have no spots at all.
9. Ladybugs taste horrible to predators because of the oily fluid in their legs.
10. Ladybugs are named after the Virgin Mary.

11. The Scientific Name for Ladybug is Coccinellidae Septempunctata.
12. The more aggressive Asian Lady Beetle, also known as the Harlequin Ladybug is an invasive species released by the US government in the mid-1900s to help reduce the agricultural pest population. It has since led to the depletion of native species.
13. Ladybugs belong to the order Coleoptera, which is the largest order of insects.
14. In Switzerland, ladybugs are called “good God’s little fairy.” 
15. Ladybug larvae resemble tiny alligators, with elongated bodies and bumpy skin.

16. Most ladybugs have oval, dome-shaped bodies with six short legs. 
17. They Aren’t All Red With Black Spots
18. There are about 450 species of ladybugs on our continent, and they come in yellow, black, pink, orange, and brown. Additionally, some have stripes instead of dots.
19. A ladybug’s bright colors warn predators to stay away.
20. The blood of a ladybug is yellow and contains a strong smell that predators dislike

21. Ladybugs Live for About a Year.
22. Ladybugs smell with their feet and antennae.
23. On rare occasions, these insects can live up to two years.
24. Ladybugs are only poisonous to animals and other bugs when they are consumed.
25. Ladybugs have lots of defense mechanisms.

26. Ladybugs stink. It’s part of their defense mechanism to keep predators away. And they will group together to become stinkier.
27. The hard shell of a ladybug helps in protecting its organs. 
28. They lay extra eggs as a snack for their young.
29. Ladybugs usually protect themselves from predators in one of two ways: They either play dead or secrete a fluid from their legs to make themselves taste bad.
30. Farmers Use Ladybugs to Control Other Insects. The first experiment on using ladybugs as pest controllers was in the late 1880s.

31. The average size of a ladybug is between 3 and 8 mm.
32. Some species of ladybugs are able to store fat in their bodies and can survive for several months without food.
33. Ladybugs can fly up to 37 mph – that’s as fast as a Race Horse.
34. Ladybugs are a common subject in art, literature, and folklore.
35. Their spots fade in once they are a few hours to a day old. As they age, their spots fade out. Take a look next time you see one.

36. Underneath this shell are their hidden wings. These unfold at a speed of 0.1 seconds and are significantly bigger than the ladybug’s body.
37. Some species of ladybugs are able to fly, while others are flightless.
38. Ladybugs’ Numbers Are Declining.
39. Ladybugs are attracted to bright lights and are often seen gathering near windows and lights at night.
40. Ladybugs mainly communicate with each other through pheromones, these act as chemical signals.

41. Ladybugs have short, rounded head with large eyes and a short, flexible neck.
42. Young ladybugs pause in growth during winter hibernation.
43. Ladybugs can see in many directions at once. It also means that their quality of vision is not great and they can only see in black and white.
44. Ladybugs cannot fly when temperatures are below 55 °F (13°C).
45. Their legs are short and have claws for clinging to surfaces.

46. In 1999, four ladybugs went to space! The four lucky bugs were brought to space, along with their favorite snack, aphids, so that scientists could observe how the predators and their prey would interact in zero gravity. 
47. Ladybugs become more active once the temperature reaches near 60°F (16°C).
48. They are most abundant in North America and Europe.
49. When Ladybugs Hibernate in groups, this is known as ‘diapause’
50. Ladybugs chew by moving their jaws side to side.

51. During the winter months, thousands of millions of Ladybugs can be seen congregating in South Western USA looking for hibernation spots.
52. Ladybugs can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, gardens, and urban areas.
53. Not all Ladybugs are carnivores, some ladybug species are known to eat plants instead of pests. Most Ladybugs also eat pollen, nectar, and honeydew.
54. Some species of ladybugs are able to adapt to new habitats, such as farms and greenhouses.
55. Ladybugs are able to fly long distances in search of food and mates.

56. Ladybugs do not breathe through their mouths, but through parts of their abdomen and thorax through openings called Spiracles.
57. Females will lay up to 1,000 eggs within a few months, generally from spring to early summer.
58. Ladybugs are found in all continents except Antarctica.
59. Once Laid, the Ladybug eggs incubate for a period of around 5 to 8 days before hatching.

Do you have even more interesting facts about ladybugs? Share them with us in the comments! Also, don’t forget to grab your free ladybug fact cards to add to your collection!