B. Ladybirds (COCCINELLIDAE)

Ladybirds are popular aphid-eating beetles but are unpopular with predators because of their bitter taste. Avoid handling them as they secrete a foul-smelling liquid with a very persistent odour. They pass the Winter as dormant adults, and then are active from early Spring until late Autumn. There are 42 British species, whose patterns are variable. Eggs are mainly yellow or orange in colour, and laid in batches, taking 4-10 days to hatch depending on the temperature.

In folklore many rhymes connected with divination for future partners mention ladybirds. If a single girl tosses a ladybird into the air it will fly away in the direction a future lover lives. It is very unlucky to kill a ladybird, but lucky if one lands on you. If you kill any beetle it will pour with rain.