Book 4, Question 33
Why Do Ladybugs Have Spots?
Bright red and black is a warning sign. Many ladybugs taste bad, or can leak a bitter fluid. The spots help a bird remember, skip this snack!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 4
More fun facts
- A ladybug's bright red color warns predators that it tastes bad. Scientists call this warning coloring.
- Ladybugs can ooze a foul-tasting fluid from the joints in their legs.
- Not all ladybugs are red with black spots. Some have stripes or no markings at all.
- The seven-spotted ladybug has three spots on each side and one in the middle.
- Ladybug babies look nothing like adults. They are long, black and spiky with orange or yellow spots.
- The harlequin ladybird can come in many colors and have lots of spots.
Sources: National Park Service, National Geographic, National Geographic Kids, BBC
Questions kids ask
Why are ladybugs so brightly colored?
The bright colors warn birds and other predators that ladybugs taste bad.