Ladybugs eat up to 50 or 60 aphids per day, but will also eat other insects like mealy bugs, leaf hoppers, mites, and certain other bugs. When they are threatened, they close their shell-like bodies "the elytron" with little remaining uncovered. Their interesting folding wings are protected underneath thier shiny, outer cover forewing, or "the elytron" which is seen in numerous shiny colors. It seems like their large eyes are sometimes peeking out, but their eyes are actually small and dark colored. Their eyes are more apparent when they extend their heads further out.  Their vision is not very good. 

In cold weather certain types of ladybugs will remain swarmed together, and in the winter they will hibernate under logs, leaves, bark, even home foundations and various other protective locations. In the UK, a similar looking "Ladybird" is actually a pesky concern, and colder winters might be a welcomed event for some. 

In general, certain ladybugs are a welcomed addition, yet they are an actual pest in others.  Ladybugs can bite, and have an odor, and this needs to be considered when they appear in huge swarms.