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'''Coccinellidae''' ({{IPAc-en|,|k|ɒ|k|s|ɪ|'|n|ɛ|l|ɪ|d|iː}})<ref name="OED">{{cite encyclopedia |title=coccinellid |encyclopedia=The New Oxford Dictionary of English |publisher=[[Clarendon Press]] |year=1998 |isbn=0-19-861263-X |quote='''coccinellid''' /,kɒksɪ'nɛlɪd/ '''noun''' a beetle of a family (coccinelidae) that includes the ladybirds |page=351}}</ref> is a widespread [[family (biology)|family]] of small [[beetle]]s. They are commonly known as '''ladybugs''' in North America and '''ladybirds''' in the United Kingdom; "lady" refers to [[Mary, mother of Jesus|mother Mary]]. [[Entomologist]]s use the names '''ladybird beetles''' or '''lady beetles''' to avoid confusion with [[true bugs]]. The more than 6,000 described species have a global distribution and are found in a variety of habitats. They are oval beetles with a domed back and flat underside. Many of the species have conspicuous [[aposematic]] (warning) colours and patterns, such as red with black spots, that warn potential [[predator]]s that they taste bad.
Most coccinellid species are [[carnivorous]] predators, preying on insects such as [[aphid]]s, [[thistle tortoise beetles]], and [[scale insect]]s. Other species are known to consume non-animal matter, including plants and fungi. They are [[Promiscuity#Other animals|promiscuous]] breeders, reproducing in spring and summer in temperate regions and during the [[wet season]] in tropical regions. Many predatory species lay their eggs near colonies of prey, providing their larvae with a food source. Like most insects, they [[holometabolism|develop]] from [[larva]] to [[pupa]] to adult. Temperate species [[hibernate]] and [[diapause]] during the winter; tropical species are dormant during the [[dry season]]. Coccinellids migrate between dormancy and breeding sites.
Species that prey on agricultural pests are considered [[beneficial insects]]. Several species have been introduced outside their range as [[biological pest control|biological control]] agents, with varying degrees of success. Some species are pests themselves and attack agricultural crops, or can infest people's homes, particularly in winter. Invasive species like ''[[Harmonia axyridis]]'' can pose an ecological threat to native coccinellid species. Other threats to coccinellids include [[climate change]] and [[habitat destruction]]. These insects have played roles in [[folklore]], religion and poetry, and are particularly popular in [[nursery rhyme]]s.
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