Friday Five: It's a Bug's Life

Sophia of RevGals writes:

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?
UM? None that I am aware of... (see #3)

2. Stomp on spiders, carry them outside, or peacefully co-exist?

Since I react to spider bites, STOMP! (Sorry if that offends you. But if you saw what one leeetle spider can do, you'd understand.)

3. Favorite insect?

Mounted, in a case, at the Smithsonian.

4. Least favorite?

Live, in my house, crawling on me. Actually, I do enjoy butterflies. Outside. On the flowers.

5. Got any good bug stories to share?

Um. No.

Bonus question: share a poem, song, quotation, etc. about insects.

Bugs
by Ogden Nash
Some insects feed on rosebuds
And others feed on carrion.
Between them they devour the earth.
Bugs are totalitarian.

I am no having an uncontrollable urge to scratch... ew. Bugs. I know God made 'em, but... ew.

Deb