People keep remarking about the “spotless” condition of this ladybug. (Actually, I can see one or two small spots when I look at it in the larger size.)
Turns out that not all ladybugs have spots (although most do have black spots on their red shells, sometimes fused together in one dark-colored area). I think there must be a children’s book in this (or maybe I spend too much time around my kids, ages two, four, and eight):
Ladybug, oh ladybug, where did your spots go?
I don’t see them anywhere, and I miss them so.
Quoth the ladybug:
“Some ladybugs have spots, and others do not
Either way it’s fair to say this ladybug is hot.”
Julian found this ladybug in his garden and brought it in to me. We photographed it with the same technique used on the wasp. Julian served as ladybug wrangler, helping me to make sure that this hyperactive insect stayed more-or-less where I could focus on it.
Don’t worry, no ladybugs were harmed in the commission of this portrait: we set her free after we were done.
I find the face of this ladybug definitely sinister. I’m sure if I were a tasty plant parasite, I’d be very afraid. So why are ladybugs cute and cuddly? Why do these beetles that display a death’s head get a free pass? Good public relations campaign?
Here’s an earlier ladybug photo with Julian-insect-wrangler’s hands.