ladybird

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Any of various small beetles, generally red or yellow in colour, with black spots. There are more than 5,200 species worldwide. As larvae and adults, they feed on aphids and scale-insect pests. (Family Coccinellidae, order Coleoptera.)

Ladybirds have been used as a form of biological control since the 19th century and the US ladybird harvest was worth an annual $3–5 million by 1991.

The small stars stand for the original provinces of Congo at independence in 1960. The single gold star was said to represent the light of civilization. Effective date: 17 May 1997. >>