The Ladybug

Ladybugs are small insects. You have probably seen them around your house. They come inside buildings during the winter to hibernate. Ladybugs stay in groups, so where you see one more are sure to follow.

Ladybugs eat soft-bodied insects called aphids, and they will also eat scale insects and plant mites. Ladybugs are not poisonous to humans, though they are harmful to some animals. Ladybugs emit a chemical that smells and tastes bad so that predators won't eat them.

There are many different kinds of ladybugs, and each kind has different spots. They vary in number, color, and shape. There are over 300 types of ladybugs in North America.

The life cycle of a ladybug is egg, larva, pupa, adult. The first three stages can last from 7-12 days each depending on weather and food supplies. The adult stage lasts between 3-9 months.

And yes, male ladybugs do exist.


Source: http://www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm