Postdoctoral Researcher University of South Bohemia České Budějovice, Jihocesky kraj, Czech Republic
Many cultures believe that ladybugs mean good luck and that facing one is a fortune. They bring luck to different cultures, including ancient Asia, Native American tribes, Christianity, ancient Celtic culture, and Norwegian mythology. The popularity of ladybugs mainly comes from their bright contrasting colors, primarily red, orange, and black. Their bright colors and use in pest control place ladybugs among the most widely beloved insects. Most ladybugs are predators, feeding on sap-sucking plant pests, so farmers and gardeners highly respect them. Moreover, examining the vernacular names of ladybugs in different languages shows solid religious connections. In English, the name ladybird is a dedication to the Lady, The Virgin Mary. Furthermore, because of their mating behavior, ladybugs are considered a sign of romance. Especially on a sunny morning in spring or early summer, when someone’s fancy may turn to thoughts of love, it is common to find mating ladybugs, since almost half of the population may be simultaneously mating. Thus, it is not surprising to have many poems and rhymes about them. Ladybugs are also prevalent art objects. Artists are very interested in drawing and painting ladybugs, but they often do not limit themselves to reality and show the beetles with various non-existing colors or asymmetric patterns, which sometimes make them even more adorable.
