Coccinellidae Larva - Ladybugs - Animal India

Coccinellidae, commonly known as ladybugs or ladybird beetles, is a widespread family of small beetles. The larvae of the Coccinellidae family have long, waxy filaments protruding from their tops and sides. So far, they have been found living in shrubs or bushes well-shaded by tall trees. Heavy rain can wash them away; however, some may survive if they are hiding under leaves. Most Coccinellidae species are carnivorous predators. In their natural forest habitat, they coexist with other insects such as ants, planthoppers, and treehoppers. Coccinellidae were highly vulnerable to attacks until they evolved two anti-ant defenses. The first is a woolly coat made of wax filaments, which is almost impossible for ants to bite through. In a forest at Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on September 1, 2024, Coccinellidae larvae with a white flower-like camouflage defense mechanism to avoid predators were observed sitting under a leaf. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)