The Blessed Ladybug
There is something about ladybugs that makes us smile, and why shouldn’t we enjoy them? They are harmless to people, but are great for pest control. They are small. And the red and black colors are fun and happy. The only downside to ladybugs is their fall migration, during this time, it seems as if there are ladybugs everywhere, and when it comes to ladybugs, there is such a thing as to much of a good thing.
A long time ago, farmer’s crops were being destroyed by insects. Desperate for assistance, the farmers prayed to God. A few days later small red and black beetles showed up and began feasting on the crop destroying insects. The farmers were so grateful they called the new beetle Beetles of Our Lady, over time the name was shortened to Ladybug or Ladybeetle.
When we think of insects and their life spans, we normally think short term; we do not realize that some insects live lots longer then others. Ladybugs can live for one or two years before they finally die. A ladybug is fully mature one month after the egg is laid. This is good news for gardeners who rely on the small insects to keep pests out of their gardens.
Did you know that ladybugs actually hibernate, just like bears and snakes? When the weather starts to turn cold, the ladybugs crawl under piles of dead leaves. While the ground is frozen and covered with snow, the ladybugs sleep. When the earth starts to warm, they crawl back out and get on with their busy lives.
The next time you feel like complaining about running into town for a bag or groceries, you should stop and think about the tiny ladybug. Scientists have found ladybugs that have flown over one hundred miles while searching for food. The good news is that most of the time ladybugs are able to feed themselves without embarking on an epic journey
