Viola Lady

There is something intriguing about Ladybirds. Perhaps it’s the name (they’re not all female and they’re not birds!) or the fact they look so different to anything else. Maybe it’s their little wings which seem hidden until they buzz away onto another flower.

Also known as Ladybugs, or to give them their full name Coccinellidae, these small flying beetles are helpful at keeping aphids and other plant munchers down, thus helping our gardens grow as they should. For this reason, farmers welcome them.

The name “ladybird” originated in Britain where the insects became known as “Our Lady’s bird”. Mary (Our Lady) was often depicted wearing a red cloak in early paintings, and the spots of the seven-spot ladybird (the most common in Europe) were said to symbolise her seven joys and seven sorrows.

This is a beautiful macro shot with great detail and colour. The purple flower petals with yellow centre make for an attractive natural design that creates a super floral print for interior walls. This picture can be purchased as a framed canvas print, floating acrylic frame or fine-art poster. It’s available in several square format sizes.

Photography by Jacky Parker.