Do Ladybugs Like Their Eggs Scrambled?

Childhood memories often emerge when I work in the garden.  Although I did not realize it at the time, as I helped my grandmother pull weeds, squash bugs, trellis vines and harvest fruits and vegetables, I learned valuable life lessons.  Last week, while protecting potato plants from Colorado Potato Beetles, defoliating machines, I discovered an army of small insects aiding my efforts and I recalled a nursery rhyme Granny taught me.

Lady Beetles Feast on Aphids & Potato Beetle Eggs

Ladybug, Ladybug, Fly Away Home,
Your House is on Fire, Your Children Are Gone!
As many nursery rhymes do, this one seems a bit scary for children, but examining its origins reveals the message was intended to protect this helpful insect.  

Colorado Potato Beetles Decimate Plant Leaves

First recorded in 18th century England, the original rhyme's main character was "Ladybird," rather than Ladybug and many sources refer to both religious and political basis, but my favorite historical reference is one that includes farmers.  In order to control pests and weeds, farmers burned fields and, appreciative of helpful lady beetles, as they lit fires, they would chant the nursery rhyme.  Although I found no reliable source to support my theory, perhaps parents taught children this rhyme to prevent them from squashing "good" bugs?

Lady Beetle on Potato Leaf Damaged by Potato Beetle

Unchecked, potato beetles lay eggs on the underside of leaves and hatch countless larvae that riddle entire plants within a few days. 

Colorado Potato Beetle Eggs

Fortunately, the Lady Beetle, with its distinctive red and black coloring, is a big fan of those tiny yellow orbs.  Noticing the abundance of lady beetles in this year's potato rows, I was intrigued by their work and their varied number of spots.  More research gave me a deeper appreciation for these tiny unpaid farm workers.

Asian Lady Beetle

When native lady beetle numbers declined in the 1980s, the US Government imported aggressive species, including the Asian ladybug from Japan.  Like the invasive kudzu plant, this species populated rapidly and, unlike native lady beetles, Asian ladybugs prefer to overwinter in human homes, making them unpopular with many homeowners, who are sometimes allergic to the insects' secretions, which also stain ceilings and walls.  

Native Lady Beetles Overwinter in Trees

In an attempt to enlist protective help for native species from US citizens, Cornell University entomologist, John Losey, created the Lost Ladybug Project
Losey's site encourages people to photograph lady beetles and send the images to the project.  As of May 5, 2016, over thirty-five thousand lady beetle images have been submitted and the site includes an identification guide for various species, some of which are considered endangered and very rare.  

Squashing Potato Beetle Eggs: Do Lady Beetles Eat Them Scrambled?

With beautiful weather forecast for the weekend, head to the nearest organic garden or your own backyard to observe lady beetles.  Capture photographs and compare the species you discover to an identification guide.  Perhaps you will be fortunate and observe a rare nine-spotted ladybug or the two-spotted native.  Regardless of the species you see, pause to be grateful for these farmer-friendly insects and the work they do to control pests.