Q

QuestionBiology

Ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, belong to the family Coccinellidae in the order Coleoptera. The differentiation between male and female ladybugs is not easily visible to the naked eye as they have similar morphology. However, the sex of a ladybug can be determined by examining their ventral side (underside) and looking at the structure of their reproductive organs. Male ladybugs typically have a more slender abdomen, while female ladybugs have a rounder, more oval-shaped abdomen. Additionally, male ladybugs usually have a small, finger-like projection called the apostyle on their ventral side, which is part of their reproductive organ. Female ladybugs do not have this projection.

The progeny of a ladybug are called larvae. After mating, female ladybugs lay clusters of tiny, spherical eggs, usually on the underside of leaves. The eggs hatch into larvae, which are small, black, and spiny creatures with white, orange, or yellow markings. The larvae go through several molts, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow, before entering the pupal stage.