lady beetle

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

lady beetle
    n 1: small round bright-colored and spotted beetle that usually
         feeds on aphids and other insect pests [syn: {ladybug},
         {ladybeetle}, {lady beetle}, {ladybird}, {ladybird beetle}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Ladybird \La"dy*bird`\, n. [Equiv. to, bird of Our Lady.]
   (Zool.)
   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},
   {ladybeetle}, and {lady beetle}. {Coccinella seplempunctata}
   in one of the common European species. See {Coccinella}.
   [1913 Webster]

   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 larvae and the adult beetles
         of most species feed on aphids, and for this reason
         they are very beneficial to agriculture and
         horticulture.
         [1913 Webster]