Second Annual ‘Ladybug Release’ At M’Finda Kalunga Garden
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Luck be a ladybug this Sunday at M’Finda Kaluga Community Garden. Yep, this weekend the Critter Committee for the neighborhood garden is throwing a party to release these little red beetles into the New York City wild. Not only are they the least annoying insect going, but they also eat pesky aphids, keeping the city’s limited greenery in primo condition.
Fun fact: the ladybug has been the state insect of New York since 1989; more specifically, the powers-that-be chose the “Made in USA” brand rather than the European species. This Coccinella novemnotata, or “nine-spotted ladybug” was thought to be extinct, so (according to Wikipedia):
…in 2006, the state considered designating the pink spotted ladybug as state insect instead, but the bill did not pass the Senate. In 2006 the nine-spotted ladybug was rediscovered in Virginia (the first East Coast sighting in 14 years). In 2011, about 20 of these ladybugs were found on a farm in Amagansett, NY, the first such sighting in New York since 1982.
Government!
A less fun fact: Ladybugs also go by the name “lady cow.” Seems a bit harsh.
Anyway, show some respect and support the red bug. The sendoff is this Sunday, September 29, from 1-3pm. Entrance to the garden is at Rivington Street, between Forsyth and Chrystie. The free event will also have a contest to name the elusive pond turtles, as well as arts n’ crafts for the kiddos.
And maybe kick around a soccer ball with a cross-dresser…
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