Ladybug

The name Coccinellidae, created by Pierre André Latreille in 1807, is derived from the Latin word coccineus meaning ‘scarlet’. The common English name ladybird originated in Britain where the insects became known as “Our Lady’s birds”. Mary (“Our Lady”) was often depicted wearing a red cloak in early art, and the seven spots of the species Coccinella septempunctata (the most common in Europe) were said to represent her seven joys and seven sorrows. In the United States, the name was popularly adapted to ladybug. Entomologists prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles to avoid confusion with true bugs. Names in some other countries may be similar; for example, in Germany they are known as Marienkäfer meaning ‘Marybeetle’ or ‘ladybeetle’.