Size

• Ladybugs are small oval-shaped insects in the beetle family that can range in size from 1mm to 10mm, although most average between 4 and 8mm (or about 1/4 inch). Females are larger than males.
  
  

Body

• Ladybugs have many of the same body parts that make up other insects: a head, a thorax and an abdomen with three pairs of jointed legs, one pair of wings, one pair of antennae, compound eyes, and a small mandible/mouth all surrounded by a hard exoskeleton made of chitin.
  
  

Elytra

• The elytra is a hard, shell-like wing covering that protects the ladybug's delicate wings. The elytra opens up to reveal the wings when the beetle flies. It is usually red or orange in color with black spots.
  
  

Pronotum

• Often mistaken for the ladybug's head, the pronotum is the small area above the elytra that protects the beetle's actual head underneath. The pronotum is usually black with small gray areas that look like eyes.
  
  

Fun Fact

• The ladybug is considered to be a beneficial insect and is often used for pest control because it preys on aphids and other destructive insects.