This beetle family includes more species than any other kind of animal in the whole world. Ladybugs actually have 2 sets of wings. The outer set, or the hard wings, protects the bottom, soft wings. The hard wings are called elytra. When ladybugs want to fly, they lift their elytra up and out of the way.
Ladybugs have six legs and keep their wings tucked away until they are ready to fly.
Ladybugs' bright colors are a way of protecting themselves by telling birds that they do not taste good. When defending itself, a ladybug can eject a foul fluid from its joints. Ladybugs' legs are covered with sticky pads or hair that enable them to walk upside down. Their antennae help them search for food and also allow them to communicate with other ladybugs. Ladybugs have a shield, called a pronotum, that protects their necks from enemies such as ants.