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ladybug, (family Coccinellidae), family of approximately 5,000 widely distributed species of beetles. The name originated in the Middle Ages, when the beetle was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and called “beetle of Our Lady.” Taxonomy See also list of insects. Ladybugs are hemispheric in shape and usually 8 to 10 mm (0.3 to 0.4 inch) long. They have short legs and are usually brightly colored with black, yellow, or reddish markings. The color of the...