Ladybug Anatomy

Reading Comprehension

Let’s get to know ladybugs! You already know that ladybugs are cute and

colorful. But do you know they’re also beneficial insects? Some beneficial

insects, like butterflies, help people and the planet by pollinating plants

and helping them grow. Other beneficial insects eat other insects that we

consider pests. Friendly ladybugs help gardeners and farmers by

consuming pests like aphids and mites. It’s a pretty cool partnership!

Though they have the word “bug” in their name, ladybugs aren't true bugs

- they're beetles! The beetle family is large; they make up almost 40% of all

insects and live all over the world. While all insects share characteristics (for

example, all insect bodies are divided into a head, a thorax and an

abdomen), ladybugs and other beetles have unique features that can

help casing is made up of the pronotum and the elytra. The pronotum is

part of the thorax and sits directly behind the ladybug’s head, protecting it.

The elytra are hard wing cases. They protect the ladybug’s transparent

hind wings which are attached to the thorax, and the abdomen, which

houses the ladybug’s organs.

Besides their tough outer shell, lady bugs have several other defense

mechanisms. The bright colors of a ladybug make them fun to look at, but

they’re also a warning! Ladybugs secrete a bad-tasting chemical from

their joints to defend themselves. Ladybugs also play dead to stop

predators from bothering them.

There are 5,000 different species of ladybugs in the world! The ladybug in

your habitat are Pink Spotted Ladybugs, which are native to North

America. These ladybugs have a pinkish shell and each wing features six

black markings, which is why they’re nicknamed the Twelve Spotted Lady

Beetle!

Multiple Choice

The_________is the plate-like part of the thorax that protects the ladybug's head.

• thorax

• pronotum

• Scooby-Doo

• Don't pick me!

Multiple Choice

Ladybugs have two_______that are made up of many lenses and that they use to see.

• Head

• Not me!

• compound eyes

• Pick that one

  <<<<<<

Multiple Choice

Ladybug wings are protected by a hard casing called an________

• Elytra

• <<<<<

• Not it!

• hard case

Multiple Choice

To avoid being eaten, aphids should stay away from the ladybug's_______.

• Toes

• Ears

• Pick that one

  >>>>

• Mandibles

Multiple Choice

When they aren't flying, ladybugs walk around on their six_________.

• Not again!

• Legs

• Eye Balls

• Wings

Multiple Choice

Ladybugs fold their soft_________under a hard casing.

• head

• eyes

• wings

• <<<<

  Trust Me!

Multiple Select

All insects have three body segments. The________is where the brain and mouth are located.

• Head

• Head

• Toes

• Abdomen

Multiple Choice

A ladybug's wings are attached to the middle body segment called the __________.

• >>>>>>>

• Thorax

• <<<<

• Too Easy

Multiple Choice

The organs of a ladybug are housed within the __________.

• Abdomen

• Forehead

• Abracadabra

• Not the one!

Multiple Choice

Ladybugs have two ___________, also known as "feelers", that they use to detect scents like prey, mates, or even predators!

• Scooby-Doo

• Shaggy

• Velma

• Antennae