Ladybird \La"dy*bird`\, n. [Equiv. to, bird of Our Lady.]

(Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small beetles of the genus Coccinella and allied genera (family Coccinellid[ae]); -- called also ladybug, ladyclock, lady cow, lady fly, and lady beetle. Coccinella seplempunctata in one of the common European species. See Coccinella.

Note: 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 larv[ae] and the adult beetles of most species feed on aphids, and for this reason they are very beneficial to agriculture and horticulture.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)