As I was scanning my neighbor’s garden for new growth yesterday, a small bit of bright orange caught my eye. I moved closer to see what it was and was shocked to find a tiny ladybug crawling around one of the plants.
The ladybug was pretty active, moving up and down the leaf, so it was challenging to get a shot of it. Eventually, though, my patience paid off and I was able to capture this image. Later in the year photos like this will become more commonplace, but during the month of March I am overjoyed whenever I have a chance to photograph an insect.
I did not get a good look at the face of this insect, so I cannot tell if it is an Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) or one of the native ladybugs, which are less common in most areas. Whatever the case, there is something whimsical about ladybugs that makes me smile, so I was happy to spot this one.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I love them, too! Great capture!
I always like seeing ladybugs, Mike. Even in pictures. Thanks.
I think that most people like to see them, Dan, except for people whose houses get infested with lots and lots of them. Kids really seem to like them too and there are lots of toys and clothing for kids that feature ladybugs–I recall seeing a child with adorable ladybug rain boots. 🙂
I think our daughter had a pair of those boots.
Mike, don’t mean to be smarty-pants, but that is not our lovely lady-bug. It is the awful Asain Lady Beetle. Here is a pic so you know-
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I know that it is possible to tell them apart, with the Asian Lady Beetle having an M-shaped marking on its head, but I couldn’t see this one well enough to see that marking.
That’s for sure, sometimes it is hard to see. We have the Asian one all in our house—ugh, so they are easy to spot. The real ladybugs are a welcome guest in our vegetable gardens. I believe they are redder too, aren’t they? I was confused for a good while till I recently got it straight. LOL.
I am overjoyed with any whispers of Spring as well Mike. Lovely photo!
It is hard to identify them. I’ve found at least six species here: both native and non-native. What’s even harder is photographing a moving lady bug in 25 mph winds. Yesterday, I gave up after a half-hour!
Nice ladybug image Mike! Enjoyed seeing it!