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)
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