Lovebug

Natural Habitat

Found in the southeastern United States and Central America, typically in grassy areas, pastures, and along highways.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed primarily on nectar from flowers; larvae (maggots) live in the soil and consume decaying organic plant matter.

Behavior Patterns

Known for their massive semi-annual mating flights in spring and late summer. In these flights, a male and female couple together tail-to-tail for several days, including while flying.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. Larvae are beneficial as decomposers. To humans, they are primarily a nuisance; their acidic bodies can damage car paint if they remain on vehicle surfaces after collisions.

Identified on: 4/22/2026