Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 1590174

Common Lovebug

Plecia nearctica

Also known as Honeymoon Fly, Double-Headed Bug, Telephone Bug

Common lovebugs are famous for emerging in dense swarms across the southeastern United States, floating through the air attached as mating pairs. Larvae perform a vital ecological service by decomposing decaying vegetation and enriching soil organic matter. Though completely harmless to humans, their acidic body fluids can etch automotive paint if smashed against windshields and left to dry.

SwarmingDiurnalHarmless
Common Lovebug reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Nectar
  • Decaying Leaves
Predators
  • Spiders
  • Dragonflies
  • Robber Flies
ThreatsVehicle collisions, pesticide applications, and severe cold snaps
HabitatsSubtropical woodlands, pastures, lawns, and grassy roadsides
Life span3–4 months (larval stage); 3–5 days (adults)
Classification
  1. OrderDiptera
  2. FamilyBibionidae
  3. GenusPlecia
  4. SpeciesPlecia nearctica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans, though vehicle owners should rinse off insect remains promptly.
Responsible observation
  • Observe Flying Pairs: Look for coupled pairs drifting low over sunny fields and roadsides during May and September.
  • Protect Vehicles: Wash insect splatter from car bumpers promptly to prevent acidic fluids from pitting paint.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…