Coccinellidae is a family of small beetles called ladybugs in North America and ladybirds elsewhere. More than 6,000 species occur globally in a variety of habitats. They are oval with a domed back. Adult females are larger than males. Many species have warning colours and patterns that warn predators that they are distasteful. Most are carnivorous, preying on insects such as aphids. They are promiscuous breeders, and may lay their eggs near prey colonies, so their larvae have a close food source. They develop from larva to pupa to adult. Temperate species hibernate during the winter; tropical species are dormant during the dry season. Since they prey on pests, most coccinellids are beneficial insects and some have been introduced outside their range as biological control agents. A few are pests themselves, and invasive forms pose a threat to native species. Threats to coccinellids include climate change and habitat destruction. They feature in folklore, religion, poetry, and nursery rhymes. (Full article...)
The British Army created several field armies during the Second World War. There were formations that controlled multiple army corps, which in turn controlled numerous divisions. An army would also control additional artillery, engineers, and logistical units that would be used to support the subordinate corps and divisions as needed. Each army was generally under the control of a higher formation, such as an army group or a command. Over the course of the war, eight armies were formed by the British Army. An attempt to form a ninth – the Second British Expeditionary Force, the second overall – was made, and one regional command was redesignated as an army for a short period. Inter-allied co-operation resulted in the creation of the First Allied Airborne Army, and deception efforts saw a further four armies existed within the British military structure. Seventeen armies, real or fictitious, were created, although they did not all exist at the same time. (Full list...)
Community portal – The central hub for editors, with resources, links, tasks, and announcements.
Village pump – Forum for discussions about Wikipedia itself, including policies and technical issues.
Site news – Sources of news about Wikipedia and the broader Wikimedia movement.
Teahouse – Ask basic questions about using or editing Wikipedia.
Help desk – Ask questions about using or editing Wikipedia.
Reference desk – Ask research questions about encyclopedic topics.
Content portals – A unique way to navigate the encyclopedia.
Wikipedia's sister projects
Wikipedia is written by volunteer editors and hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that also hosts a range of other volunteer projects: