I don't think that it's even possible to prove the meaning behind something as abstract as that scene. What it means is totally subjective, and it was probably designed that way.

The only way that we'll ever know for sure is if we get CDPR employees drunk, which actually seems like kind of a brilliant plan. I'll bring the vodka.

Some interesting comments about this. I really liked the scene, and it provides a great visual metaphor when we see Geralt hold it up to his face - his yellow eyes are those of a predator - and then let it go. Someone should try and capture a screenie of that.

I have an embarrassing amount of screenshots and nowhere to post them. Here you go:

http://i.min.us/idWS3A.jpg
http://i.min.us/idWspy.jpg
http://i.min.us/idWOnu.jpg

The ladybird sequence looks to me to be very much like the ending of the old film 'All Quiet On The Western Front'. In the films case it was a butterfly but I have no doubt thats where the inspiration came from.

Wow, I just thought that it was an attempt to have a cliche moment at the end but it surprises me that it actually had some meaning (specially if its actually related to Yen)

The ladybird could be meant to recall the butterfly in "All Quiet on the Western Front", but that scene has a very different sensibility.

Since this is the only appearance a ladybird has made in the games, I'm of the same mind as gregski on this: the ladybird has a particular meaning in Polish folklore, and it is that meaning that is being evoked here.

And I don't know which countries this is specific to, because it's widespread, but it's thought that if you let a ladybird go, and observe the direction it flies off in, then that is the direction in which you will find your good fortune or your true love.

The third of dnna's screenshots shows Geralt doing exactly that.

I've found a new desktop. Thanks. :)

Why do people keep calling the lady bug, a lady bird? Am I missing something?

It's called both, actually.

Why both? It's a lady bug.

To you. And it's a ladybird to others.

So yeah.

What am I supposed to be seeing?

That's called both a ladybug and a ladybird. Two names for the same thing.

You made me do a google search :(

Coccinellidae is a family of beetles, known variously as ladybirds (UK, Ireland, Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Malta, some parts of Canada and the US), or ladybugs (North America). Scientists increasingly prefer the names ladybird beetles* or lady beetles as these insects are not true bugs (nor birds). Lesser-used names include ladyclock, lady cow, lady fly, and Xena Fly.

*compromise!

EDIT: Wait, what about my screenshots?

Thank you for an intelligent answer. I say we go with lady cow. :-)