There always seems to be something fun and whimsical about ladybugs, like this one that I spotted last Saturday at Occoquan Regional Park. This is probably an invasive Harlequin Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis), rather than a native ladybug, but I still find it to be beautiful.
The Harlequin Lady Beetles, also known as Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles, may assist with control of some aphid pests, but may also harm native and beneficial insects and are considered by many to be pests.
My interests tend to be primarily photographic, so I tend not to make distinctions between weeds and flowers or between native and invasive species in the way that others, such as gardeners and farmers, may need to do. I am trying to capture my subjects as well as I can and I am pretty happy with the way this particular image turned out, given the small size of the ladybug and the fact that it was moving about as I was trying to get a shot.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s a great image, Mike. I always like seeing these guys, even if I shouldn’t.
Are you in the area that will see cicadas?
I think I should be seeing them in a month or so. If they are not in my actual neighborhood< Dan, I think they will not be far away.
I’d put in a request, but I’m pretty sure you won’t pass up that opportunity. We seem to be outside the range this year.
For some reason call ladybirds in the UK
I don’t know if it is true, but Wikipedia tells me this is why they are called ladybirds in the UK, “The name “ladybird” originated in Britain where the insects became known as “Our Lady’s bird” or the Lady beetle. Mary (Our Lady) was often depicted wearing a red cloak in early paintings, and the spots of the seven-spot ladybird (the most common in Europe) were said to symbolise her seven joys and seven sorrows.” 🙂
I am the same about making life or death decisions, playing God so to speak. But there are exceptions, especially gypsy moth larvae. Here in New England we get some serious outbreaks of them and if that lasts into the next year or two we lose trees and much forest gets denuded. I doubt that my endeavor makes a huge difference but it’s hard to just ignore them knowing the havoc they wreak.
As far as ladybugs go, or ladybirds, many gardeners buy them to protect their crops. We’ve never done that and are fairly lucky that we don’t suffer many pests.
Perfect shot !
Nice capture, Mike… they are rather winsome insects.