I’m not a big fan of bugs, but I understand and respect their role in the ecosystem. Among bugs, I have a theory that any in the beetle family are somehow smarter and more evolved than other bugs and here’s why:

• Beetles hard, crusty shells give them added protection and make them harder for birds and other prey to eat.

• Most can fly, although they don’t appear to be very aerodynamic.

• They can run crazy fast and squeeze into small spaces to hide

In the beetle family you have the dreaded Cockroach. Creepy critters destined to rule the world one day. Can’t kill ‘em. They’re insanely fast! They can survive in the most dismal environments. They scare the crap out of me and if I found one in my house I’d probably have to move.

On the happier side of the beetle spectrum are Ladybugs; darling, sweet, let them land on you, make a wish…lady bugs. In the late Spring here in VA, we experience an annual invasion of Ladybugs. Presumably they’re on their way somewhere else, but they stop here for a spell. I say spell, because it does feel a little bit magical. Even while I’m collecting and releasing them outdoors, making wishes, I wonder where on earth they all came from and where they’re headed next.

Cicadas are another mysterious beetle with their odd shedding and bizarre dormant habits. In Summer, Cicada exoskeletons cling to everything…mailboxes, porch furniture, and siding. Their song, either incredibly annoying or surprisingly summer soothing, depends solely on your perspective.

Then there’s the June Bug! On the one hand, I have great Summer memories June bugs battering the screen door, desperate to get in, like moths to the flame of our home lights burning. Somehow they’d survive the self imposed beating and after flailing their silly selves around would pop up, and fly off to who knows where? Some other screen door maybe?

But my favorite of the beetles is the Firefly. I only recently learned there are several different species of Firefly that live at different levels of the forest.

Paying homage to the beauty, the magic, the splendor of the Firefly! May they outlast the dreaded Cockroach and continue to be the shining beacons of Summertime!