Lady Birds or Lady Bugs have always had a special place in my heart... I have this memory of going to the mountains when I was really young and all the stumps and trees were just covered with them. I remember asking to go back to that location over and over after that.. there was just something really magical about it.
Turns out in the fall they swarm like this to keep warm.. they find a nice location in the sun and gather up together in groups. It makes for a pretty stunning display.
To this day finding just one makes me smile, a whole swarm makes me feel like I stepped into a fairy tale. So on a recent adventure, coming upon a part of the forest that was lined with them really made my day.
The variety found in North America is defined by the 7 spots on their backs.. because of this they are seen as good luck, I just find them beautiful.
Legend says they got their name when a mass insect infestation threatened to wipe out the crop of a certain farming community. After praying to the Virgin Mary or Lady Mary, the Lady Birds arrived and cleared the fields of the harmful insects and from there on out were called Ladies.
Lady Birds are very beneficial to agriculture though and many even buy them in bulk to add to their gardens as a way to naturally ward of harmful insects. There are actually individuals that come up to the mountains where I live to collect them and transfer them to the farms out in the valley.
So, Lady Birds... what’s not to love about them? They will always be one of my favorite things...
Take time to enjoy the small things in life...
Much Love,
Justine
All photos taken by me with my fuji x-t2