Spotlight Magazines Spotlight on West Bridgford May 2015 | Page 8

Spotlight Magazine

Ladybird, Ladybird Fly Away Home

L

ast weekend my husband and I spent
a long overdue day tidying the garden.
During our labours I became intrigued
by the number of ladybirds populating
the leaves and bushes, which made me
curious about the world of this mini beast.
Popular with children and adults alike, I
wondered how much we actually know
about them and thought I’d do a little
research.
The ladybird is actually
a member of the beetle
family and its scientific
name is Coccinellidae,
meaning ‘little red
sphere’.
There are over 42
different species in the
UK, the most common
being the bright red
variety that has seven
spots and is thought
to have given the
insect its name: “Lady”
referring to the Virgin
Mary (Our Lady) who in
early paintings is seen
wearing a red cloak,
and