Second Annual ‘Ladybug Release’ At M’Finda Kalunga Garden
This image has been archived or removed.
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…
Recent Stories
Truck Versus Tree on Clinton Street [PHOTOS]
Clinton Street just lost one of its mature trees. Last week, a truck driver (with a Bud Light trailer) collided with a tree on the east side between Rivington and Stanton, blocking the road with fallen foliage. It handily snapped the trunk.
Going Inside the Jarmulowsky Bank Hotel [PHOTOS]
As part of its area charm offensive, DLJ Real Estate Partners recently opened the doors to the Jarmulowsky Bank Building during its conversion to posh boutique hotel. The iconic Beaux Arts-style landmark has been under renovations for nigh on six years already, resulting in a new construction next door and the addition of a replica rooftop […]
Century-Old Tattoo and Flash Ephemera at the South Street Seaport Museum
Daredevil Tattoo is hosting a can’t miss event with the South Street Seaport Museum. We have been documenting the history of tattooing on the Bowery for years; this event is making history all its own. Gus Wagner flash just for you. From the sea merchant-cum-tattoo artist and most artistically marked-up man in America. Seriously. You […]
Luscious Jackson Singer has Solo Art Exhibition at 198 Allen Street
Fans of Luscious Jackson will be happy to hear that New York City’s own Jill Cuniff has an art show happening all weekend at 198 Allen Street. The Luscious Jackson singer-songwriter/bassist unveils “Lyric and Word Paintings” at the perennial pop-up tonight, showcasing a collection of abstract watercolor and mixed media paintings, some of which feature some […]
Rent Hike Forces Häagen-Dazs Out of Chinatown After 41 Years
The longstanding Häagen-Dazs ice creamery in Chinatown will soon close its doors at the corner of Bayard and Mott Streets. The store has been at 53 Mott Street since 1977. A purported rent hike is the culprit, ending the decades-long tenure. The $10,000-per-month lease is up November 30, which doubles as the final day in […]
