It is hard not to admire the ladybug [see photo].
The ladybug lives a singular life that has always inspired me to feel as special as they appear to be in nature. In a time when collectivism has become a religion for humanity the humble lady bug remains a beautiful symbol of individualism.
The derivation of the name for this spectacular little beetle is apparently linked to Christian theology or mythology. Although ladybugs do not tend to congregate in groups there is a collective noun for them which is "loveliness". However there is a beetle which looks like a ladybug but is actually an Asian lady beetle. The Asian lady beetle tend to congregate in large groups which is the opposite habit to that of the ladybugs. Infestations of the Asian lady beetles will soon convince you and me that these are pests. I can not find a collective noun for the Asian lady beetle but I am sure that it can not be "loveliness". Perhaps the collective noun "congregations" is more appropriate as a descriptor of these pests.
We need more "loveliness" [singular ladybugs] and yet some of our neighbours want more "congregations" [infestations of Asian lady beetles].
Richard.
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