Why is a ladybug called a ladybug
Almost all young children know that a small red bug with black dots on its back is called a ladybug. However, the question of why this type of insect received such a name can be perplexing even for adult, educated people.
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Why is the ladybug called that?
Everyone knows what a ladybug looks like, but there is still debate on the origin of their name.
"Milk" ladybugs
Ladybug milk.
The most common version of the similarity of these animals is the ability of bugs to secrete a special "milk". The liquid they secrete has nothing to do with real cow's milk and is a toxic yellow liquid.
It is released from the joints on the legs of the insect in case of danger and has a sharp, unpleasant odor, and a bitter taste.
Other meanings and derivatives of the word "cow"
Ladybug.
When discussing this topic, etymologists suggested that the insect could have received such a name from the word "loaf". The body of the bug has a hemispherical shape, and objects with this shape are often called "loaf":
- boulder stones;
- heads of cheese;
- large mushroom caps.
Also interesting is the fact that carpenters call a rounded cut at the end of a log “cow”, and residents of the Vladimir region called porcini mushrooms “cows”.
For what reason "cows" were nicknamed "God's"
Ladybugs bring people a lot of benefits, because they are the main assistants in the destruction of garden pests. In addition, these bugs have gained a reputation as good-natured and harmless animals, and this could be the reason why they began to be called "God's".
Ladybugs are bugs from heaven.
There are also many beliefs about the "divinity" of solar bugs. Since ancient times, people believed that these insects live in heaven next to God and descend to people only to please humanity with good news, and Europeans were convinced that ladybugs bring good luck and protect young children from trouble.
What are ladybugs called in other countries
Ladybugs are very loved almost all over the world, because these insects bring tangible benefits to people. In addition to the most common name, these cute bugs have many versions of interesting names in different countries:
- beetle of the Holy Virgin Mary (Switzerland, Germany, Austria);
Lady cow.
- Lady Cow or Lady Bird (England, Australia, USA, South Africa);
- cow Saint Anthony (Argentina);
- sun (Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belarus);
- red-bearded grandfather (Tajikistan);
- cow of Moses (Israel);
- solar bugs, solar calves or God's sheep (Europe).
Conclusion
Ladybugs carry their name with pride and are considered one of the friendliest and cutest insects. These bugs actually bring great benefits to people, but they are far from being as harmless creatures as it might seem. Almost all members of this family are ruthless predators capable of producing a poisonous substance.
