A Lady Bug On My Desk...

by John Durham

Posted: 9 years ago 20 replies

OFF TOPIC

So, I am sitting here at 1am watching a video of how Mark Cuban became a Billionaire, and suddenly, minutes ago, I saw a lady bug moving across the desk...worried because I didn't know how it would survive indoors, I googled what lady bugs eat. They drink water so I put a little drop or two of water on the desk, and I sat here watching it drink. It went right up to the edge of the little puddle and started drinking to my amazement...

I just went and got a little piece of lettuce, and the lady bug is now sitting here on the desk eating and drinking and apparently cant believe her good luck! lol It's very cool!

Just wanted to share.

HeySal 9 years ago

I take it you live where you can't put it back outside (weather)? I would think that it might be okay if it knows where to come for food and water. Hard to say. I caged a baby scorpion that blew into the bathtub once. It was so small I almost washed it down the drain then noticed the little tail just in time to save him. It was too small to be away from its mother (they ride on their mothers when small) so I figured it blew in on the sand storm we had just hours before. I had it in an aquarium with sand and rocks and a few plants and bought some insects from a pet store to feed it. Was a pretty interesting little pet. When it was big enough to survive on its own (they live around 5 years), I picked out a spot and released him.
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John Durham 9 years ago

Yeah its snowing outside so I cant do that to it. I was going to put it in a jar, but something is telling me to let it be... I will leave it some food here for tomorrow night and see if it comes back. lol Right now it is finished eating I guess and seems to be enjoying some desk light bathing on a desk ornament under a lamp.

Interesting that it isn't the least bit bothered by my obvious awareness of it.
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HeySal 9 years ago

I know spiders need to drink at least every 24 hours so you might want to make sure to leave drops of water around for it. Not deep enough that it can fall into and drown, but some at least. Lettuce might have enough moisture for it. It seems if you have dishes in the sink with water in them and the toilet might be the biggest hazards in the house for a little guy like that. If you have plants or a planter it might like that. I'm not sure that leaving it to roam is the best way to keep it alive, but can understand that keeping it in too small a confined area won't do it much good either. Too bad you don't have a greenhouse. That would be an awesome place for a ladybug.

What's a normal life span for one? It seems to me they don't live all that long in the best of conditions.
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John Durham 9 years ago

As for the weather? Here is the view outside of my home office window taken a few days ago hasn't changed, in fact there is even more snow now.

Its going back to the lettuce now. Hungry little whipper snapper!

Nite Sal. Maybe it's a sign that Im going to get lucky! But then maybe not, my girl is in NYC this week.

Ps. Their lifespan is only four weeks. I don't figure it has long because it looks like a full grown lady bug... Hopefully she will enjoy her life here while it lasts.
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thunderbird

9 years ago

That story sounds like it would make a nice country song.

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Kay King

9 years ago

I'd be thrilled to find a lady bug in my room...they are such neat bugs.

I expect if you establish a safe area with water and food source, she'll stay there till spring. Of course, I don't know how long lady bugs live so that might her entire life...

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tagiscom 9 years ago

Yes, turn it into a children's story for your iphone or Galaxy?

I looked into that a while ago, some kids story's can make good money!

Call it, "Thirsty, Thirsty, Thirsty bug" and give me 5% royalties, he, he!
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John Durham

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

Interesting that you say that, because today she is still there. I think she found a place in the crevices of the desk ornament. I put some more food and water there for her... Couldn't believe she was still there. Very friendly little bugs. She is almost behaving like a pet. She was sleeping when I came up and disturbed her, thinking she might be dead. Nope just sleeping.

Originally Posted by tagiscom

Yes, turn it into a children's story for your iphone or Galaxy?

I looked into that a while ago, some kids story's can make good money!

Call it, "Thirsty, Thirsty, Thirsty bug" and give me 5% royalties, he, he!

Right on! Good idea!

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ThomM 9 years ago

John just so you know, lady bugs are insectivores.
According to this site you can also feed them honey, sugar, and this I question lettuce or raisins.
How to Take Care of Your Own Ladybug: 9 Steps - wikiHow
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John Durham 9 years ago

She finally wandered off. Will be interesting to see if she shows back up tonight... As superstitious as it is, I have looked up some spiritual philosophies on it, which indicate that (theoretically) having an interaction with one is a good omen. Whether that's true or not, the positive vibes of having the idea in the back of my head have to be somewhat empowering. Otherwise, just the positive interaction itself has brought me joy. She has already been a blessing.
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- Kay King 9 years ago
  
  Put some honey on the lettuce?...put a piece of bark nearby. Lady bug apt.
  
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John Durham 9 years ago

Will try some honey tonight! I don't know why this is so fascinating to me, but it is.
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- HeySal 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by John Durham
  
  Will try some honey tonight! I don't know why this is so fascinating to me, but it is.
  
  I dunno. As far as I can tell it's more logical to take an interest in other life forms than not to. After all - we all have the same needs, and the more that science probes and proves intellect and emotions - we might all have the same emotional base, too. Seeing other life flourish because of our efforts, no matter how small the life, is just a very good positive feeling.
  
  I know I was very glad that I wasn't in the habit of killing spiders about the time I found out they rank 15th in intelligence. That would have been a guilt trip for me.
  
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John Durham 9 years ago

Not just trying to bump the thread, but she is back again. I think she found her place. You were right Kay, this spot looks like its going to become a haven. Im not trapping her in any way...Just being good to her, and trying not to mess up her vibe... It looks like its working. There is a life lesson in this somewhere.
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John Durham 9 years ago

Hi Sal,

Wow. Interesting fact about spiders. I have always shown them respect. Admitted though, I wouldn't have the same compassion for a roach if it were in my house. I don't mind insects that peacefully co exist though, and don't overrun my place or bring any kind of harm... So I am not totally guilt free here... I guess Im kind of subjective about it.

My girlfriend hates "stink bugs" which come in from time to time, but I wont kill one because they seem to be peaceful creatures who don't mean any harm. However when one gets trapped in the closet in some jacket pocket or something, they can let off a scent that will mess up your clothes, and that has happened a time or two... still I don't think they mean any harm. Cant be mad at em! lol They only let off that scent if they sense danger or feel trapped.

Here is a pic of one. Actually quite beautiful and peaceful looking fellows.
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yukon Banned 9 years ago

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- Karen Blundell 9 years ago
  
  I'm glad to read that I'm not the only one who won't kill lady bugs -
  I have to admit, I've never fed a lady bug though - so it's interesting that the lady bug you've adopted, John, seems to be behaving like a rescued pet.
  
  neat!
  
  in general I don't like bugs - but I like lady bugs and I really like dragonflies and of course butterflies. I also like those weird looking bugs that eat mosquitoes -
  these guys:
  
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HeySal 9 years ago

Those that don't want bugs in their house can grow herbs that are not only great to cook with - but will repel bugs. That's what I do when I live somewhere with an invading species I don't want around. I just either grow what they don't like or sprinkle essential oils around. Don't have to deal with them after that.
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- Karen Blundell 9 years ago
  
  yup, like growing mint around your house to repel ants - I think marigolds repel ants too, if I'm not mistaken
  
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John Durham

9 years ago

Put out some honey earlier... Perhaps "not so" unbelievably this thing is still here. It has flown away a few times for an hour, but keeps coming right back to my desk...

Originally Posted by HeySal

Those that don't want bugs in their house can grow herbs that are not only great to cook with - but will repel bugs. That's what I do when I live somewhere with an invading species I don't want around. I just either grow what they don't like or sprinkle essential oils around. Don't have to deal with them after that.

Much better way than killing them!

Originally Posted by Karen Blundell

I have to admit, I've never fed a lady bug though - so it's interesting that the lady bug you've adopted, John, seems to be behaving like a rescued pet.

neat!

It most certainly is behaving that way! Funny thing is that I'm starting to think of it that way too. Hey it has a short life span, might as well have a royal one... I don't know about the rest of the lady bugs, but this one is having a great life! lol

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YouTubePR 9 years ago

It was very interesting. Thank U!
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A Lady Bug On My Desk...

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