Back on Easter Island, the Easter Island Heads continue their stone-faced sea vigil. One however, has become distracted and begins a ladybird study.

It was around Easter time last year that I drew the Origin of the Easter Island Heads, arriving at their new home by boat. They have since settled in to their daily (and nightly) job of looking out to sea. It’s not clear what they are watching for, but one of them has slumped over and noticed a ladybird.

As a child, I can recall the excitement of spotting one of a ladybird because they weren’t seen all that often. They are tiny in size and have a bright orange / red colour with black spots, making them difficult to ignore should one crawl or fly by.

In America they are known as ‘ladybugs’ and in Europe, sometimes called lady beetles. In the past, they have also been known by various other names, one of which is ‘lady-cow’. They are amazing pest controllers, feeding largely on aphids. Their bright appearance also acts as warning for potential predators to stay away.

Anyway, I thought it would be nice for one of these massive stone heads to be captivated by something so petite and feminine-sounding. He was slumped over and looking down anyway, so why not study a ladybird? Another contender for him to be looking at was a coin. A ladybird is more natural and interesting though.

I can’t vouch for the existence of ladybirds on Easter Island. Perhaps a boatload of ladybirds voyaged there at some stage after learning of the arrival of a boatload of aphids.