Almost everywhere I have ever lived in my adult life, Ladybugs (also know as Ladybird Beetles) have lived in my home. I never really thought about it until recently; but it just occurred to me that not everyone cohabitates with Ladybugs. Even when we moved from New York to California, Ladybugs showed up in our new home. You might think that they traveled in our plants, but our plants did not survive the trip. When we moved back to New York, there they were again. They have become main fixtures in my life.
As a toddler, Mathew used to play with them and bring them to me when they started to emit an odor and say, “Mommy this one smells bad.” I would explain that they smelled bad when they weren’t happy and suggested he leave them alone in hopes he would understand his playing disturbed the Ladybugs; it never really seeped in. Ladybugs have a great defense mechanism, similar to skunks. If they are startled or tormented, a foul-smelling fluid will seep from its leg joints, leaving yellow stains. Potential predators are hopefully deterred by the smelly mix of alkaloids, and equally perhaps repulsed by the sight of a seemingly sickly beetle. Ladybug larvae can ooze alkaloids from their abdomens, as well.
Some people believe that if a critter shows up in your life, they have a message for you. I decided to look up what type of message the Ladybug may have for me.
If Ladybug has flown into your life:
“The appearance of a Ladybug heralds a time of luck in which our wishes begin to be fulfilled. Higher goals and new heights are now possible. Worries begin to dissipate. New happiness comes about. Ladybug also cautions not to try too hard or go too fast to fulfill our dreams. Let things flow at their natural pace. In the due course of time, our wishes will all come true.
Alternatively, they could be signaling that you can leave your worries behind and that new happiness is on its way. Ladybug signals you not to be scared to live your own truth. Protect your truth and know that it is yours to honor.”
Sounds good to me, they can come and live with me all they want.
