The Beetles of Our Lady

In Europe, during the middle ages, insects were eating all the crops. The Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. The ladybugs arrived and saved the day by eating the crop destroying insects. The farmers started calling them The Beetles of Our Lady. Later the name was shortened to Lady Beetles. It didn't matter if they were male or female. I have always called them Ladybugs, but I have heard them called Lady Beetles. All species of Ladybugs are beetles, but not all beetles are Ladybugs. I just know that they are very beneficial to have around.