Gordon Beningfield: Seven-spotted Ladybug

Artist: Gordon Beningfield
1936 - 1998
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1985
Image Size: 7 by 6 inches
Overall Size: 13 by 11 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

The ladybird -- or ladybug as it is also known -- has long been regarded with affection ... even since before it was discovered to be useful as well as beautiful. Named in the Middle Ages after the Virgin Mary, this handsome creature has down through the centuries often been called "beetle of our Virgin Mary." Although there are four thousand species of ladybirds throughout the world, the Seven-spotted Ladybird is one of the four most common species of ladybirds in Europe. The other three common European ladybirds are the Two-spotted, Ten-spotted and Twenty-two-spotted Ladybirds. The Seven-spotted Ladybird wears colors of brightest orange, attractively accented by seven black spots. Although one might think such bright color might attract predators, the ladybird's coloration is actually its protection. In fact, the bright orange serves only as a poignant reminder to predators that the ladybird has a bitter taste and is to be avoided at all costs. But, although the ladybird need not fear many predators, it is itself a formidable enemy. The ladybird is a favorite of farmer and gardener alike, for both as an adult and as a larva, it consumes vast quantities of destructive, plant-eating insects. The adult ladybirds seek out plants infested with aphids on which to lay their eggs. Thus, the larvae immediately encounter an ample source of food which will last them until they pupate.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Great Britain 22p Seven-spotted Ladybird stamp issued March 12, 1985.

Artwork Copyright © 1985 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): Sold

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