Small Stuff

 I noticed this tiny ladybug/ladybird on the remains of a rugosa rose flower while doing some garden clean-up today, and enjoyed trying to "capture" it with my macro lens. (For an even closer look, see the extra photo, cropped from the main one.)

Accustomed to seeing these insects with black spots on their bodies, I was surprised that this one was solid red. Thanks to online resources, I learned that this is a female Blood Red Lady Beetle/Ladybird Beetle (terms preferred by US/UK entomologists, rather than ladybug). 

The species -- Cycloneda sanguinea -- is widespread in the Americas and is easy to recognize, as it has no spots on the elytra (wing covers).

Other interesting facts:
* One lady beetle can eat up to 5,000 insects -- aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, etc. -- in its 2-3 year lifetime. 
* They can secrete a fluid from joints in their legs which gives them a foul taste, making them less attractive to predators.

I've loved lady beetles since childhood, and have enjoyed learning more about them today!

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