http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccinellidae
Coccinellidae is a family of beetles, known variously as ladybirds (UK, Ireland, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa), ladybugs (North America), or lady beetles (preferred by some scientists). Lesser-used names include ladyclock, lady cow, and lady fly.[1]
They are small insects, ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm (0.04 to 0.4 inches), and are commonly yellow, orange, or scarlet with small black spots on their wing covers, with black legs, head and antennae. A very large number of species are mostly or entirely black, grey, or brown and may be difficult for non-entomologists to recognize as coccinellids (and, conversely, there are many small beetles that are easily mistaken as such, like tortoise beetles).
Coccinellids are found worldwide, with over 5,000 species described,[2] more than 450 native to North America alone.
A few species are pests in North America and Europe, but they are generally considered useful insects as many species feed on aphids or scale insects, which are pests in gardens, agricultural fields, orchards, and similar places. The Mall of America, for instance, releases thousands of ladybugs into its indoor park as a natural means of pest control for its gardens.[3]
A common myth is that the number of spots on its back indicates its age.[4]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefly
Lampyridae is a family of insects in the beetle order Coleoptera. They are winged beetles, and commonly called fireflies or lightning bugs for their conspicuous crepuscular use of bioluminescence to attract mates or prey. Fireflies are capable of producing a "cold light", containing no ultraviolet or infrared rays. This chemically-produced light, emitted from the lower abdomen, may be yellow, green, or pale red in color, and has a wavelength from 510 to 670 nanometers.
There are more than 2,000 species of firefly found in temperate and tropical environments around the world. Many species can be found in marshes or in wet, wooded areas where their larvae have abundant sources of food. These larvae can also emit light and are often called "glowworms", particularly in Eurasia. In the Americas, "glow worm" also refers to the related Phengodidae.
or
(3rd picture shows:) Photinus pyralis, known by the common names Common Eastern Firefly[1] and Big Dipper Firefly,[2] is the most common species of firefly in North America.[3] This organism is sometimes incorrectly classified as Photuris pyralis, which likely results from mistaking the similar sounding genus Photuris.
The species' common name refers to the characteristic flight of the male, which flies in a J-shaped trajectory, lighting on the upswing.[4]
"WHY DO YOU POST THIS", do you ask?... I've been wanting to post about this for some time cause I think it is cool and educational. Unfortunately I get distracted. Ladybugs and Fire flys are the state insects of TENNESSEE!! (agricultural official insect of the state is the "European Honey Bee", Butterfly is a "Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_Swallowtail_Butterfly)
We are the coolest! Every fall we get an infestation of Lady bugs in our homes (seeking warmth? I haven't researched that. If anyone knows, please comment) which to many DOESN'T seem like the 'coolest', lol, but I personally still think it is neat. :) Fire flys are in the summertime and are just the most fun to watch and catch! Wanna know YOUR state insect/s? Well, here you go:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_insects
I hope you enjoyed this educational blog post. I hope to add more random posts like this one throughout the next year. :)
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