Ladybug or Ladybird Beetle

The Ladybug or ladybird beetle, is actually a group of many species. Most commonly, red species with black spots are called ladybugs. However some other species can be black, yellow, or orange. And can have many spots, no spots, or somewhere in between. Around ¼” long and able to fly, ladybugs are actually beneficial insects. They eat other pests that are harmful to plants, so are desirable in gardens. In fact, some people buy them to release in their garden for this reason. Because they overwinter, occasionally you can find several of them in your house. In this case, vacuuming or transplanting them is all that is necessary.