Whether we call them ladybugs, ladybeetles, or even ladybirds, these pretty, winged insects are known and loved by everyone. With their familiar, delicate wings, covered with a varying array of patterns of red - or yellow or orange - and black spots, these tiny members of the Coccinellidae family of beetles are sized between a minuscule 0.03 and 0.7 inches. I always feel a childish wonder and thrill when one lands nearby, especially if I can coax her on to my hand.
So which is your favorite beetle?
A ladybug has many morning dewties to perform
It is not just for their beauty that ladybugs are loved by the world. Since they feed off plant-eating insects, like aphids or green-fly, farmers especially enjoy seeing ladybugs on their farms. They can eat up to 5000 aphids in one year, and luckily the average ladybug has a lifespan of 2 to 3 years. Although insects are their main source of energy they often supplement their diets with fruits and vegetables. Likewise, some specialized ladybugs are known to favor fungi and mildew. Surprisingly they can even get sustenance from human moisture, so If you are a bit sweaty you may even invite one to clean you up too.
A pretty lady out of the bath, caught without a towel
Carrying water uphill is no job for a lady
There are around 5000 species of ladybugs. And one in particular, the harlequin, is today taking the world by the storm. After being introduced into America from Asia in 1916, it quickly became the most common species of ladybugs. It was brought in to exterminate the scale mite, which was feeding on valuable crops. 100 years on and the scale mite is gone, but the harlequins have gone from strength to strength. Recently, in 2004, the harlequin made the journey to Britain, and it is already the most numerous ladybug in the country, with a population in the billions.
Pretty ladies deserve a flower
The Latin name, 'coccineus', meaning scarlet, is also related to its usual striking red color. Its color may even suggest why the bug is considered a lady. The 'lady' comes from 'Our lady' Mary, mother of Jesus, who was frequently painted wearing a red cloak. In German, the ladybug is known as 'Mary's beetle' (Marienkafer), and in French, 'God's animal' (la bete a bon Dieu). Across Europe, ladybugs are considered favorable benefactors of mankind, and even omens of good fortune. Hence, it is widely known that you should never kill a ladybird if you wish to The Latin name, 'coccineus', meaning scarlet, is also related to its usual striking red color. Its color may even suggest why the bug is considered a lady. The 'lady' comes from 'Our lady' Mary, mother of Jesus, who was frequently painted wearing a red cloak. In German, the ladybug is known as 'Mary's beetle' (Marienkafer), and in French, 'God's animal' (la bete a bon Dieu). Across Europe, ladybugs are considered favorable benefactors of mankind, and even omens of good fortune. Hence, it is widely known that you should never kill a ladybird if you wish to avoid bad luck.
A ladybug showing real leadership
The name 'ladybug' is used mainly by Americans, while the British prefer 'ladybirds'. However, in earlier times many other names were commonplace. Because she would first appear in June, around the feast of important Christian missionary, St. Barnabas, the bug was often named 'Bishop-Barnaby', 'Barnabee', the 'Bisho-that-burneth' and, my favorite, 'bishy bishy barnaby'.
A ladybug landing on a flower - in mid air!
The Beauty of flight in one image
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