Love bugs, small, black-bodied insects with a distinctive red or orange thorax, are a common sight in the southeastern United States during certain times of the year. These flying insects are frequently observed in pairs, linked together, which is the origin of their common name. Their appearance in large numbers often sparks curiosity about their origins and behavior, prompting a look into their natural history and the factors contributing to their noticeable presence.
Addressing the “Made” Myth
A persistent belief suggests that love bugs were artificially created in a laboratory, often citing the University of Florida as the source. This popular urban legend claims they were genetically engineered to control mosquito populations or other pests. However, this is incorrect; love bugs were not manufactured by scientists or released from a research facility, a claim directly refuted by University of Florida entomologists. The myth likely stems from the love bug’s sudden and overwhelming appearance in certain areas, leading people to speculate about an unnatural origin and intentional introduction.
Their Natural History and Spread
Love bugs are a naturally occurring species, scientifically known as Plecia nearctica, belonging to the Bibionidae family, which includes other march flies. They are native to Central America and the southeastern United States, with early observations in Louisiana dating back to 1911. By 1940, their presence was documented as widespread, particularly in Texas and Louisiana. The species naturally expanded its range, reaching Florida by around 1949 and establishing itself across the state by the 1970s.
Factors Driving Their Abundance
The significant numbers of love bugs observed are influenced by several ecological factors. They typically have two major flight periods each year, occurring in late April to May and again in late August to September, with each period lasting for several weeks. During these times, males emerge first and form swarms, waiting for females to emerge for mating. The coupled pairs remain attached for several days, even while flying, which is a distinctive aspect of their behavior.
Love bug larvae thrive in moist environments rich in decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves and grass. This diet contributes to their role as decomposers, recycling nutrients back into the soil. While adult love bugs primarily feed on nectar, they are also attracted to certain chemicals found in vehicle exhaust, which can mimic the odors of decaying vegetation. This attraction often leads to large concentrations of love bugs along highways, exacerbating their perceived abundance. Adult love bugs have few natural predators due to their acidic body chemistry, though some birds and beetle larvae do consume them.