Hippodamia is a genus of ladybird beetles, commonly known as ladybugs or ladybirds. They are small, oval-shaped insects with bright and distinctive colors, often red or orange with black spots. Hippodamia species are beneficial insects as they feed on aphids and other plant pests, making them valuable for natural pest control in gardens and agricultural fields. They are also known for their ability to fly and disperse over long distances.