Ladybird in flight. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) beetle flying over a lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) flower. The outer wings of the ladybird are strengthened into a hard covering called the elytra (red, black spots) to protect the delicate flight wings (transparent) found beneath. The labybird's red and black colours are a warning to predators, as it is able to squirt distasteful fluids. Magnification: x4 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.