Ladybirds are beetles (Order: Coleoptera) and so possess two characteristics that distinguish them from insects of other orders:
- hard forewings (elytra) that cover the abdomen and meet centrally without overlapping;
- biting mouthparts.
The ladybird family within the beetle group is called the Coccinellidae. Coccinellids can be recognised by a number of anatomical features:
- Small to medium sized beetles (1-10 mm long)
- Usually round or oval
- Elytra are often brightly coloured and patterned
- Short, clubbed antennae
- Pronotum (structure between the head and the elytra) is broader than long; extends forward at the margins and is often patterned
- Short legs that are retractable under the body
- Feet (tarsi) that have four segments but the third is so small that only three are easily visible