Any one of numerous species of small beetles of the genus
Coccinella and allied genera (family
Coccinellidæ); -- called also
ladybug,
ladyclock,
lady cow,
lady fly,
ladybeetle, and
lady beetle.
Coccinella seplempunctata in one of the common European species. See
Coccinella. [
1913 Webster]
" The ladybirds are usually more or less hemispherical in form, with a smooth, polished surface, and often colored red, brown, or black, with small spots of brighter colors. Both the larvæ and the adult beetles of most species feed on aphids, and for this reason they are very beneficial to agriculture and horticulture."
[1913 Webster]