Lady Bugs Traditional Cache
Hidden : 10/14/2011
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:


When I was growing up Lady Bugs were considered a beneficial insect and a friend to the Gardner.
They were cute little beetles that would land on you and with a gentle blow on them we would say “Ladybug! Ladybug! Fly Away Home.” and watch them fly away.  A nursery rhyme was even written about lady bugs.  


Where did it all go wrong? 


Native Lady Bug
With the introduction of Harmonia axyridis aka Harlequinn or Asian Lady Beetle from Asia in 1988 as an improved way to control aphids they would soon become a nuisance to many.  Although there are still hundreds of species of Ladybugs (Coccinellidae) the Asian Lady Beetle has now become the common species in many areas because they are more aggressive, out compete, and even eat other ladybugs. They can overrun you with their numbers, they invade homes near fields and woods in the winter, they stink, and worse of all they have an attitude and bite.  When accidently crushed or startled, they emit a noxious-smelling yellow fluid. This process, known as "reflex bleeding," repels birds and other potential predators in the wild but stain walls and fabrics in homes.  Unfortunately in areas where the Asian beetles have established themselves the native ladybug populations have severely declined.


Asian Lady Beetle


Asian Lady Beetle Eating Aphids

All is not bad however.  These voracious little eaters have saved many a farmer from crop destroying aphids.  In particular they have helped save soybean crops.  The grape industry however has not fared so well.  The beetles can arrive in swarms, feed on grape clusters, and contribute to off taste of wines when they are unwittingly crushed during grape harvest.  This has resulted in large losses to vineyards and millions of gallons of wine down the drain.  Research is ongoing on the best was to control these new pests and to help restore native specie populations.

Maybe one day the lady bugs will once again be that cute little beetle we remember from childhood but until then use caution and play with the beetles at your own risk. 
You are looking for a camouflaged RX bottle hidden just off the Jackson-Yoe trail
This cache placement has been approved by Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
There is a website for more information about the forest. On Saturday & Sunday there is a $5 fee per passenger car, or motorcycle.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Gevb

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Advertising with Us