Ladybirds are beetles (Order: Coleoptera) and so possess two characteristics that distinguish them from insects of other orders:

1. hard forewings (elytra) that cover the abdomen and meet centrally without overlapping;
2. biting mouthparts.

The ladybird family within the beetle group is called the Coccinellidae. Coccinellids can be recognised by a number of anatomical features:

• Small to medium sized beetles (1-10 mm long)
• Usually round or oval
• Elytra are often brightly coloured and patterned
• Short, clubbed antennae
• Pronotum (structure between the head and the elytra) is broader than long; extends forward at the margins and is often patterned
• Short legs that are retractable under the body
• Feet (tarsi) that have four segments but the third is so small that only three are easily visible