Pesky Ladybugs! A Semi-serious Quiz

Answer: Our Blessed Lady (the Virgin Mary)

The Europeans of the Middle Ages were well aware of the beneficent roll of ladybugs as pest controllers. Hence, according to Barb Ogg, an educator from the University of Nebraska (http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/AsiaLadyBeetle.shtml), ladybugs were originally named "Bug of Our Lady" after the Blessed Virgin. Is it possible that future generations will be more inclined to associate these insects with a Shakespeare villain?

Answer: No

The nursery rhyme actually makes reference to the practice of burning the fields after which the beloved insect could "fly away home". Ironically, the aphid eating ladybug pupae were consumed in the flames.

Answer: Asia

Harmonia axyridis is a tree dwelling beetle originally found in China, Russia, Korea and Japan. There it feeds on scale insects and aphids.

Answer: All of these

One can only charitably assume that those responsible for the multiple importations of these pests were ignorant of the multiple unwanted features of these loathsome insects. Still, some feel that the current populations of these bothersome bugs entered the United State through a Southern Louisiana port after attempts to establish Harmonia axyridis for pest control purposes failed.

Answer: Yes

From Asia, the pesky insect made its way through the European continent, apparently crossing the Channel in the summer of 2004. It is now well-established and crowding out native ladybird species. A previously quoted BBC account seemed to imply an American origin of the pest.

This demonstrates that Harmonia axyridis is far from "harmonious". It's coming to England is already threatening to have an unwholesome effect on British/American relations. Still, dwelling on the probable French origin of the first British Harmonia could be equally damaging to international goodwill.

Answer: All of these

In 2004, when Harmonia axyridis was first sited in Britain, an alarmed BBC ran a story under the headline "'Deadly ladybird' sighted in UK". (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/3715120.stm) A horrified British geneticist (Dr Majerus of the Cambridge genetics department) was quoted as saying, "This is without doubt the ladybird I have least wanted to see here." In this chilling news account, the British public was solemnly warned about the voracity of this loathsome predator.

Answer: Both

Unlike the innocuous species of ladybugs indigenous to England and the Americas, the invasive Harmonia axyridis species is likely to bite the hand of an inquisitive child - a small bite to be sure, but still a nasty surprise. My own daughter learned this while trying to humanely free some of these nasty creatures from her dormitory room. Some, remembering the unflattering deer quiz I authored because of a beastly deer at a petting zoo threw my three-year-old daughter to the ground may conclude that my excessive devotion to my offspring has once again inflamed my passions.

However, consider that the next Harmonia victim may be a child dear to you!

Answer: None of these

Reminiscent of Australian rabbits, Harmonia axyridis has been introduced into an environment in which it has few natural predators. Tiny wasps and flies parasitize a small percentage of the foreign ladybugs, but the ladybugs' foul taste protects them from birds and ensures that fishermen will not find them to be suitable bait. Dare we import the Australian bird which has been found to feast on the baleful bugs?

Answer: Climate change

Although not yet connected to global warming, the extent of potential ladybug damage is staggering - ranging from serious health consequences to issues affecting our very homes! Not even our wines are safe from "Harmonic pollution".

Particular care needs to be exercised should one need to eliminate these pests after they gain entry to one's home. First, although vacuuming is effective, these awful insects should be vacuumed into the hose but screened from entering the body of the machine where their foul odor is likely to persist. Swatting should be avoided since the resulting insect fluids can stain walls and furnishings. Finally, prevention is key. Cracks and defective screens should be tightly closed particularly on the sunny side of the house where these loathsome insects are likely to congregate.

Answer: An M in front of the wings

This exotic species is quite pleomorphic. Size, shape and coloring may vary widely (See www.discoverlife.org/mp/20o?search=Harmonia+axyridis). However, an "M" or m-like shape can usually be made out in front of the insect's wings. Indeed, nature herself brands these bugs with an "m" for malicious!