Friday Five A Bugs Life

Sophia posted this FF "As I was walking the beach today, I was surprised and delighted to find it swarming with ladybugs. The sweet little red beetles are one of my favorite insects and also my daughter's blogname--though as of this morning she was thinking of changing it to Butterfly. I'll keep you posted.

This got me thinking about spiritual insect trivia: Did you know that medieval mystics and theologians esteemed the bee for its dedicated work and transformation of ordinary ingredients into sweetness? That Spider Woman is an important creator Goddess to many Native American tribes? Or that Francis of Assisi was reminded of Jesus not only by lambs being led to slaughter, but also by worms (think "I am a worm and no man" from the Psalms)-- so he picked them up and took them out of stomping-vulnerable spots?!
In that spirit, this week's Friday Five is a magical mystery tour through God's garden of creepy crawlies!"

1. Ladybugs or ladybirds? Pillbugs or roly-polys? Jesus bugs or water skeeters? Any other interesting regional or familial name variations?
Lady bugs, Pillbugs, waterskeeters, can't think of any others.

2. Stomp on spiders, carry them outside, or peacefully co-exist?
Arachnoiditis! Stomp on them, crush them, get a tissue and smash the buggers! No Buddist I, in this situation

3. Favorite insect?
Maybe the Lightning Bug-is this regional-Ohio!

4. Least favorite?
Mosquito. They come for me. I'm the parakeet in the mine.

5. Got any good bug stories to share?
Once when I was about 7 I told my mother I had a bug in my ear.I could hear it moving around in there trying to get out. It was midsummer and I had been playing outdoors. My father scoffed. But my mother believed me! She put a lit flashlight to my ear and the bug found it's way out. True story!