There are about 5,000 different species of ladybugs and of these species the majority eat aphids, but some eat plants. Many farmers love ladybugs due to the fact that ladybugs eat insects that are harmful to crops. Ladybugs lay their egs in the middle of colonies of aphids. As soon as the ladybugs hatch, they immediately begin to feed. During a ladybugs life, which is only three to six weeks, they may eat up to 5,000 aphids. Ladybugs are also known as ladybird beetles. Their bright color and spots is a defense mechanism against predators. A threatened ladybug may play dead to fool its predator. They also produce a foul tasting liquid on their legs to keep their predators away.