What Is It?
Also known as Plecia nearctica, the Lovebug is a small fly in the March fly family (Bibionidae) that earned its name from its unmistakable (or inseparable😳) mating behavior. These black-bodied bugs with bright red thoraxes are usually seen in pairs. Females and males flying while still locked in copulation, often for hours or even days.
They can be found in the Gulf Coast of the U.S., especially in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, where they famously swarm in May and September.
Why So Weird?
- Long-term attachments: Pairs stay connected for hours…even while flying! The female drags the male behind her until she’s ready to lay her eggs.
- Not actually romantic: Despite the name, lovebugs don’t pair for life. They’re just very committed to the reproductive act.
- Post-mating doom: The male dies shortly after mating, and the female soon after laying eggs.
- Car chaos: Lovebugs swarm in massive numbers and are (in)famous for splattering across windshields. Their acidic guts can even damage car paint if left too long!
Where to Spot Them
- Southern U.S., particularly in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas
- Late spring (May) and early fall (September) are swarming seasons
- Near highways, open fields, and marshy areas. They’re attracted to heat and exhaust, which is why they love roadsides
Why They’re Cool
- Despite their reputation, lovebugs are harmless to humans. They don’t bite or sting
- Their larvae help decompose dead plant matter, playing an important ecological role
- Their dramatic public displays of affection make them a quirky Valentine’s Day mascot
- Scientists still debate their rapid spread, possibly aided by climate shifts and roadside landscaping