Octo's and Ladybugs
We also have had an abundance of ladybugs in our area; so much so that several articles have appeared about locally. Not a day goes by that I don't hear my daughter screeching because the "ladybirds" are chasing her or the crunch of tiny shells meaning we've either stepped on one or my dogs have found a snack.
Don't have an octo (yet) but I've always read that animals have an instinct for items that may be poisonous to them.
For instance, berry's that birds don't eat, people shouldn't touch. My dog will eat almost anything, but grapes or chocolate she won't touch and these things are poisonous to dogs.
An octopus, with all it's sensitivity, wouldn't it know if something was ok or not to eat? I also wonder if they ever eat insects outside of captivity? I am so curious about these marvelous creatures. I can't wait to get one myself. Simply biding my time.