Brits call them ladybirds, Americans call them ladybugs. Where did these two names come from?
Question #32240. Asked by student.
Last updated Aug 27 2016.
dan6and1
Answer has 4 votes
Currently Best Answer
dan6and1
Answer has 4 votes.
Currently voted the best answer.
Many years ago, it was once believed that ladybugs came from heaven to save farmers' crops. The farmers called the insects 'the Beetle of Our Lady' or 'Virgin Mary's Gold Hens,' in dedication of the Virgin Mary.'
[discoverlearning.com/webjourneys/ladybugs/step2.html] http://elysiumgates.com/~mamawolf/facts.html
Response last updated by gtho4 on Aug 27 2016.
Apr 28 2003, 8:39 AM
Lothruin
Answer has 3 votes
Lothruin 24 year member
392 replies
Answer has 3 votes.
I found a number of other sites that listed the 'Beetle of our Lady' answer to the ladybug question. The only reference I found to the bird part was at www.dictionary.com where it says that they were also called 'Bird of our Lady,' though no explanation is given. It also says they are called Ladyclocks, lady cows, lady flies, and lady beetles.
Response last updated by gtho4 on Aug 27 2016.
Apr 28 2003, 8:40 AM