Meet the new pest-eating assassin

Ladybirds - those tiny, spotted insects - are beloved of many, with some believing their bright colours and polka dot livery bring good luck.

7-spot Ladybird (Coccinella 7-punctata) (AAP/Mary Evans/Ardea/Jean-Michel Labat) | NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY Credit: Jean Michel Labat / ardea.com/MARY EVANS

Ladybirds, the source of several well-known superstitions, are thought historically and across some cultures to bring good fortune.

With their distinctive polka dots, these tiny members of the beetle family come in multiple colours including red and yellow.

Now, one scientist is now trying their luck with them in the realm of Australia's agri-food industries.