Have you ever seen a small, red beetle with black dots on its back? These little insects are called ladybugs. These little insects are harmless to humans. A ladybug does not bite or sting humans. Ladybugs are also harmless to plants, and they do not carry diseases. But how did the ladybug get
its name? There are many stories. One of these stories came from the Middle Ages. The crops were being eaten, and the villagers began praying. The red beetles with black dots came and ate the harmful insects. These beetles were named “the Beetles of Our Lady.” The name was shortened to lady beetles or ladybugs.
Since then, the ladybug has been known to bring good luck. There are many beliefs about ladybugs from all over the world. It has been said that if a ladybug lands on a young maiden’s hand, she will marry soon. In England, it has been said that if a farmer sees a ladybug, he will have a good harvest. Some people believe that the number of spots you see on the ladybug’s back will represent the number of children you will have.
Ladybugs today can still bring good fortune. If you have a ladybug in your garden, then you do not need to use insect poison to get rid of aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that are harmful to many plants. They suck the juice from the leaves of the plant. A ladybug can eat as many as 50 aphids in a day. Some people buy ladybugs to fight the aphids.
Story Questions
1. According to this reading passage, why might someone want to buy a ladybug? a. They are more expensive than insecticides.b. Ladybugs kill aphids that can be harmful to plants.
c. Ladybugs bring good luck.
d. Ladybugs will reproduce.
2. This passage is mostly about . . .a. aphids. c. the anatomy of a ladybug.
b. good farming practices. d. general information of ladybugs. 3. According to the passage, what do some people believe will happen when a ladybug lands on the hand of a young maiden? 4. _______________________________________________________________________________ 5. _______________________________________________________________________________ 6. According to the passage, what might ladybugs first have been called?
