The ladybug is not mentioned in the scriptures. However, as John noted, the pages of the Bible wouldn’t be enough to note down everything (John 21:25). So even though the ladybug has not been mentioned explicitly in the Bible, there are still several symbolisms and lessons that we can draw from this incredible insect. 

So, what does the ladybug mean in the Bible?

The meaning of the ladybug in the Bible is inferred because the ladybug is not mentioned in the scriptures. Ladybugs can teach us about our spiritual identity, the importance of preparation, and our uniqueness in the eyes of God. These lessons are inferred from the characteristics of the ladybug that are also parallel with Bible truths. 

Let us take a closer look at the Biblical lessons we can draw from the Ladybug. 

Biblical Lessons from the Ladybug

• Ladybugs are misunderstood

We often think of ladybugs as bugs because of their name but they are actually not bugs. On the contrary, ladybugs are more appropriately classified as beetles. Unlike bugs that have needle-like mouths which they use to suck their predominantly liquid diets, bettles have a mouth adapted for chewing on plants. Since ladybugs can chew, they are scientifically classified as beetles and not bugs.

The spiritual lesson here is to be sure of your identity in Christ. The problem with taking your identity from humans is that they are often myopic as they can only see what’s on the surface. But God has deeper deposits and knows our real potential. A classical example is given in the book of Judges 6. It was a time when the Amalekites were taking advantage of Israel and Israel resorted to hiding in caves. One day, God’s angel appeared to Gideon, one of the Israelites who was hiding his harvest from the enemy with a strange salutation:

And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him,  “The Lord is with you, valiant warrior.” Judges 6:12

Now that didn’t make sense at all. There was nothing valiant and worrier-like in the life of Gideon. He was so afraid of the enemy that he was hiding. But God didn’t reference his circumstances in order to define him. He knew Gideon had what it takes to lead Israel to freedom. Just like Gideon, do not judge yourself at face value. Worse still, do not allow strangers to judge you based on your what they can see with their physical eyes. What God thinks of you is more important and relevant than man’s opinion. 

• Ladybugs are different 

If you have looked at a book or a cartoon character depicting a ladybug, they all look the same with their red and black combo. But contrary to common belief, not all ladybugs are the same. In fact, there are at least 450 different types of ladybugs in America alone and at least 5,000 different types around the world. 

The uniqueness of the ladybugs is a symbol of how God created you as a unique being. Even if you have an identical twin brother or sister, you only appear identical to the human eye but you are still unique. For starters, your biometrics ( fingerprints, facial, voice, iris, and palm or finger vein pattern) are unique to you. The psalmist may not have understood the science of biometrics but he appreciated God’s handiwork in creating him as a unique being. He said,

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalms 139:16

The implication of this verse is that God did not mass-produce human beings through some divine assembly line. On the contrary, he custom-made everyone with unique features, attributes, and abilities. 

• The decorations serve as a warning

We might find the decorations on the ladybug spellbinding but in the animal kingdom, they serve a different purpose. The bright colors are meant to intimidate birds, frogs, and other small animals that might think of predating them. If the bright colors don’t work as the deterrent that they are meant to be for predators, ladybugs move to plan B – they secrete a foul-smelling oily liquid that will scare away most predators. 

This quality of ladybugs to protect themselves is a powerful Bible lesson for believers. You must be wary of the enemy who is always trying to attack you. As apostle Peter warned, the enemy prowls around the people of God like a lion seeking an opportunity to attack. But Peter advises the church to stand their ground and resist the devil.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 1 Peter 5:7-8

• Ladybugs prepare in advance

Ladybugs lay eggs in their thousands but not all of these eggs hatch. Scientists believe that ladybugs lay some infertile eggs intentionally. These infertile eggs serve as food for their young once they hatch. The adult ladybugs may also eat these eggs if they run out of their usual food supply. Just like the ant and bee, ladybugs prepare for seasons of unproductivity well in advance. 

The symbolism here is the importance of using seasons of plenty to prepare for seasons of lack. A good illustration of this is the dream Pharoah had in Genesis 41 which Joseph interpreted to mean that God would bring the land 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of lack. After interpreting the dream, Joseph advised the king to take advantage of the 7 years of plenty to save grain for when drought would strike. Even though this is often looked at in the financial sense, it can apply in all aspects. For instance, it is best to seek God when the grace is sufficient or in the words of scripture, while he may be found (Isaiah 55:6). That’s because there’s always a season where what seems easy will become hard.

Conclusion

Even though the ladybug doesn’t appear in the Bible, its symbolism can be seen in various passages based on the ladybugs’ unique attributes. For instance, its ability to wade off enemies can be seen as a symbol of spiritual warfare. Ladybugs are also misunderstood which could be a symbol of how God sees us differently as opposed to what the average person may see. 

.