Large bad guy afraid of American flying insect (7)

I believe the answer is:

ladybug

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'insect' is the definition.
(ladybug is a kind of insect)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for ladybug that I've seen before include "US term for ladybird" , "is spotted in a bed" , "American beetle" , "Spotted insect that's" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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