Ladybugs are small, colorful insects that belong to the family Coccinellidae. They are also known as ladybirds or lady beetles. These insects are widely distributed around the world, and there are over 5,000 species of ladybugs. Ladybugs are beneficial to gardens and the environment because they are natural predators of many plant pests, such as aphids and scale insects. They are also important for biodiversity, as they play a vital role in the food chain for many animals, including birds and other insects.