Bug Identifier
Lovebug (Honeymoon Fly)
Community identification

Lovebug (Honeymoon Fly)

Plecia nearctica

Order & Family
Order: Diptera, Family: Bibionidae
Size
6 mm to 15 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Damp, grassy areas and woodlands, often found in large swarms near highways and suburban landscapes.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat decaying organic plant matter and grass thatch; adults feed on flower nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Known for flying in pairs (coupled) while mating, which can last for several days. They have two major flights per year, typically in late spring and late summer.

Risks & Benefits

No risk of biting or stinging humans. They are beneficial as decomposers in their larval stage, but they are a significant nuisance to motorists as their acidic bodies can damage car paint if not washed off.