LADYBUG

This is an orange version of the ladybug beetle, with a white body section in front of the orange. Typically I think ladybugs are thought to be red and black, but they come in a variety of colors. Evidently there are more than 5,000 species of ladybugs in the world. They are so shiny that they appear to be coated with lacquer. The white section in front of the orange part has two black dots which makes it appear to be a face; however, there is a tiny third section in front of the white which is actually its head (with the eyes, mouth and antennae). There isn't a different name for the males - they're still known as 'ladybugs'.

I thought I was all set with a flower for today's blip, but late today I spotted this little bug holding tight to a future limelight hydrangea blossom. I figured I'd better go with it because I haven't seen but a couple this year.