|
 The
most common lovebug,
Plecia nearctica,
is a fly species that motorists encounter as a serious nuisance
when traveling in southern states. It was first described in the
U.S. from Galveston, Texas in 1940. Within Florida, this fly was
first collected in 1949 in Escambia County, the western-most
county of the panhandle. It is now found throughout Florida. A
widely held myth claims that University of Florida entomologists
introduced this species into Florida. However, the progressive
natural movement of this fly species around the Gulf Coast and
into Florida has been well documented.
Biology and Behavior
Each of two generations of adult
lovebugs in Florida lasts about four weeks in
April-May and August-September. The females lay gray,
irregularly-shaped eggs in or on the soil surface under
partially decayed vegetation. The gray larvae are often found in
groups where moisture under the decaying vegetation is
constantly present. Factors necessary for larval survival
include adequate moisture, partially decayed vegetation (for
food), and favorable soil temperatures. Lovebugs are attracted
to sun-irradiated automobile exhaust fumes
 (diesel
and gasoline) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the air
temperature is above 28°C (82°F). Hot engines and the vibrations
of automobiles apparently contribute to the attraction of
lovebugs to highways.
The Problem
Large number of lovebugs can cause overheating of
liquid-cooled engines by clogging radiators. They stick to
windshields, reducing visibility and can etch automobile paint.
A soaking with water for about five minutes followed by a
scrubbing 15 to 20 minutes later should remove most of the
lovebugs without harm to automobile paint. There are no
practical control methods for lovebugs. Birds will eat the
larvae, but there are no effective predators for adults.
Reference:
University of Florida IFAS Extension
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