I can’t imagine anyone not liking ladybugs. They look like sporty little gemstones with wings. And I think the polka dot motif was an especially nice idea.

Ladybugs have been used as an organic means of pest control for a number of years. In the late 1800s the citrus orchards in California were almost wiped out by a scale insect that was accidentally introduced from Australia. Luckily, this insect had a natural enemy in Australia, a ladybug native to that continent. They were rushed to California and, of course, saved the day.

Because aphids were also troubling the California groves, a native ladybug was brought in to make short work of these pests. This was the kind of ladybug that hibernated in vast numbers so they were easy to collect and ship to the groves by insect entrepreneurs. I’ll bet it was easy to rouse them from their hibernating buggy dreams since they were about to fed an all- you –can- eat aphid buffet for free!

I’m pretty sure you can still order ladybugs from insect breeding farms. I think that is a brilliant way to control insect pests. So much prettier than poison, and so much better for our fragile environment. Why anyone would spray  poisonous chemicals on aphids when we have an aphid eating machine right here in our own backyard is anyone’s guess.

You can pay homage to this talented little bad bug eater by wearing my red and black ladybug necklace. Spread the good word about this under-rated gardener’s helper!

 

 If you like bugs, my enamel bug necklace home has a growing variety. An especially pretty version of the butterfly is the light purple enamel necklace, perfect for when you're feeling very feminine.