Nope. Contrary to popular belief, ladybugs are both male and female. “Ladybug” has a mystical connection to the Virgin Mary.
How did the ladybug get its name? This page explains the name’s origin and connection to Mary. The name of this beetle doesn’t imply that they’re all girls.
The History Behind The Name
Ladybugs are sometimes called ladybeetles, ladybirds, and ladyflies. Ladybugs are beetle-family insects. Lady beetle comes from this. The name ladybird comes from “our lady’s bird” in England.
What is special about ladybugs?
The ladybug’s English name is linked to the Virgin Mary, according to research. The “seven spotted ladybug” is the most remarkable ladybug. These bugs were given by Mary to aid farmers fight pests, legend says. As the legend goes, seven-spotted ladybugs appeared after farmers prayed to Mary for help with pests. Using ladybugs to control pests in crops is an eco-friendly option.
What is the spiritual importance of a ladybug?
The ladybug’s seven spots led to the notion that Mary sent them. Farmers linked these sites to Mary’s seven sorrows. They are:
- Simeon’s Prophecy (Luke 2.34-25)
- The escape and flight into Egypt (Matthew 2.13)
- Losing Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2.43-45)
- Meeting Jesus on the way to the cross
- The Crucifixion (John 19.25)
- The piercing of Jesus’s side and his descent from the cross (Matthew 27.57-59)
- The burial of Jesus (John 19.40-42)
The seven spots on their bodies and the vivid red of their elytra (the hard outer wings that conceal the flying wings) are both symbolic of the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted in art donning a crimson robe.
Identifying Male and Female Ladybugs
Without a microscope, it’s difficult to tell if a ladybug is male or female. During mating, male and female ladybugs have a few major characteristics.
Experts say knowing the ladybugs’ gender is only vital for reproduction. They may live 3 years if conditions are good. Because of their brief lives, leave gender identification to the professionals.
The Outward Characteristics of Male & Female Ladybugs
Male and female beetles have unique colors depending on the species. It’s why it’s hard to tell a man from a woman by sight. Closer scrutiny and mating season will help you tell male from female.
Numbers of spots:
Ladybugs have six black legs and a bright outer shell (elytra) that hides their flying wings. Ladybug elytra are yellow, orange, or red with black markings. Ladybugs vary in number of spots. Experts debunked the idea that the number of spots on a ladybug indicates its age.
Size of ladybugs:
Depending on the species, ladybugs are 1-10mm (0.04-0.4 inches) long. Both sexes have antennae and blackheads.
Male and female ladybugs seem so identical that the only way to tell them apart is with a microscope and an entomologist.
Ladybug Gender Identification
It’s hard to tell if a ladybug is male or female, but sometimes you can. Male and female ladybugs differ slightly when compared side-by-side.
| Characteristic | Male Ladybugs | Female Ladybugs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Mating Behavior | Clings to female during mating | Clung to by male |
| Antennae | Longer | Shorter |
| Underside Hair | More hair | Smoother |
| Coloration of Labrum and Prosternum | Lighter coloring | Darker coloring |
Do Male or Female Ladybugs Have More Spots?
Before replying, know why ladybugs have spots. Ladybugs use their markings and brilliant color to warn predators that they’re not a tasty meal.
To illustrate, let’s look at a different species of animal. Frogs tend to be either a dark brown or a greenish color. However, there are a few species with striking red patterns or brilliant green skin that do not attempt to blend in with their surroundings to avoid predators. Their skin is loaded with poisons that are lethal to any potential predators.
It is commonly held that nature marks harmful animals with distinctive patterns or vivid colors. Our beloved ladybugs, according to entomologists, operate under the same principle. While they are very attractive, their predatory nature cannot be denied despite their cute appearance. Their patches and vivid orange or red coloration serve to scare off potential predators like birds and frogs.
The gender factor seems to be irrelevant when determining who has more seats. When it comes to the number of spots, male and female ladybugs typically have the same number. Those who have dealt with ladybugs for years concur that there is no variation in the total number of spots between the sexes. That’s probably why no one ever mentioned the amount of spots to me as a way to tell the gender of these cute little beetles.
Conclusion
To save you time, below is a summary of the article. This insect is known by both its male and female names, but is commonly referred to as a ladybug. This has been emphasized and mentioned in every academic writing, whether published online or in print. The name has a rich history, but the story associated with the Virgin Mary, sometimes known as Our Lady, is the one that has had the most impact on the elders.
Identifying the male from the female is a completely different story. Unless you catch them in the act of mating or you see two of them side by side, it is nearly impossible to tell the male from the female. If you’re ever in the right place at the right time, you might be able to tell the male from the female by looking for a few key characteristics. One is the ladybug’s size, another is its antennal length, and yet another is its orientation while mating.
Under a microscope, however, the distinctions become more obvious. Both sexes have hair on their heads and chests, but women are more likely to have smooth bellies. Do not be fooled by the ladybug’s spotting pattern; it has nothing to do with sex. Ladybug ages cannot be determined in this manner. Ladybugs typically only live for about a year or two, but can live for up to three years in ideal conditions. Depending on the species, the number of spots found on both males and females is the same. Ladybugs are helpful insects that should be left in our garden alone; they are often referred to as a gardener’s best friend for this very reason.
