It's Friday the 13th—a day often associated with bad luck. On the other hand, ladybird beetles (better known as ladybugs) are cherished symbols of good luck. Easily recognized by their round shape, vivid red wings, and striking black spots, these beloved little icons aren’t just cute emblems of luck: they’re vital pollinators and natural pest controllers. But if you haven’t seen many lucky ladybugs in a while, it’s not necessarily a reflection of your fortune — it's a warning about the troubling decline of our planet’s insect populations. Sadly, the very luck that these little critters represent is running out. Across North America, native ladybug species that were once common have become increasingly rare, declining by at least 80% in the last two decades alone. A major threat to the survival of these vulnerable creatures is the widespread use of neonics. When ladybugs come into contact with these toxic insecticides, it can KILL THEM directly, weaken their immune systems, slow their growth, and reduce their ability to reproduce. Neonics even pose severe health risks to people. They’ve been associated with damage to infants’ developing brains, hormone disruption, and neurological issues like memory loss. But despite mounting evidence of the dangers of these potent chemicals, the Environmental Protection Agency has yet to take action against toxic neonics. Tony, it’s going to take more than luck to SAVE our precious ladybugs from EXTINCTION, so we’re calling on 1,313 activists like you to sign our petition by 11:59 P.M. TONIGHT in defense of our pollinators, people, and the planet. Can we count on you to step up today and join us in demanding a federal BAN on neonics immediately? Add your name now >>
Along with ladybugs, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, neonics are largely responsible for driving down critical pollinator populations like bees. We depend on bees and other pollinators for 1 in 3 bites we eat. The loss of these buzzy little insects would have particularly significant impacts on the ecosystems and food supply we humans rely on every single day. For years, experts have been ringing the alarm bells on the devastating ecological consequences of the massive and rapid decline of insects. They are calling this crisis the INSECT APOCALYPSE or “SECOND SILENT SPRING” as a somber warning that the absence of vital pollinators and insects would lead to a quiet and lifeless environment. The European Union has already heeded the cautionary advice of scientists by banning the worst neonics. But here in the states, the EPA has failed to keep us and the planet safe from these potent chemicals. As a result of the federal inaction, Big Ag and Pesticide companies continue to flood our environment with MILLIONS of pounds of these harsh chemicals every year! Please, don’t remain silent as the silent spring threatens to destroy life on Earth as we know it. Your planet is counting on you to speak up today. TAKE ACTION: Tell the EPA to BAN neonics before it’s too late! >>
Thanks for fighting back against toxic pesticides that are threatening our fragile ecosystems. Friends of the Earth
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