\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.