ladybird

Ladybirds' red colouration with black spots is a warning to potential predators, such as birds, that they are unpleasant to eat. When attacked by ants, ladybirds secrete a sticky fluid that entangles their antennae long enough to allow the beetle to escape. Ladybirds feed mainly on aphids.

Any of various small beetles, generally red or yellow in colour, with black spots. There are more than 5,200 species worldwide. As larvae and adults, they feed on aphids and scale-insect pests. (Family Coccinellidae, order Coleoptera.)

Ladybirds have been used as a form of biological control since the 19th century and the US ladybird harvest was worth an annual $3-5 million by 1991.