Lovebug (Honeymoon Fly)
Scientific Name: Plecia nearctica
Order & Family: Order: Diptera, Family: Bibionidae
Size: 6 mm to 15 mm in length

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.
Identified on: 3/30/2026