Species Insects & ArthropodsLovebug

Lovebug

Plecia nearctica

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Lovebug (Plecia nearctica)

The Lovebug is a small black fly with a red thorax famous for flying in mating pairs connected end-to-end — a behavior that can persist for days. It appears in massive swarms twice yearly along the Gulf Coast, especially in Florida, where huge numbers impact vehicles. Despite their nuisance reputation, lovebugs are harmless to humans and their larvae decompose organic matter in soil.

Habitat
Roadsides, fields, and woodland edges along the Gulf Coast
Diet
Larvae: decaying plant material in soil. Adults: flower nectar
How common
Common

Best time to see a Lovebug

The best time to see a Lovebug is April–August, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 8,627 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a Lovebug? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

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Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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