A ladybug's spots are a warning to predators. This color combination—black and red or orange—is known as aposematic coloration. ... The spots are just part of the ladybug's clever color scheme. Ladybugs produce alkaloids, toxic chemicals that make them unpalatable to hungry spiders, ants, or other predators.

Do ladybug spots tell how old they are?

It has been a long-time myth that the ladybug's spots tell their age. But the truth is, it is not true. The ladybug's spot tells the species of ladybugs and not their age. Ladybugs live for just about a year, so it doesn't make sense that if they have thirteen spots, they are thirteen years old.

What does the number of spots on the ladybugs back indicate?

A common error, totally unfounded, is that the number of spots on the insect's back indicates its age. ... In fact, the underlying pattern and colouration are determined by the species and genetics of the beetle, and develop as the insect matures.