Hen or beetle (8)
I believe the answer is:
ladybird
This might be a double definition.
'hen' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'beetle' is the second definition.
(I know that ladybird is a type of beetle)
'or' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ladybird that I've seen before include "Beetle (or the late Mrs LBJ)" , "imprint" , "Red insect with black spots" , "Garden insect" , "Colourful beetle" .)