The Lovebug in Florida: Setting the Record Straight J. P. Cuda and N. C. Leppla

Adult Lovebugs on Flowers

Lovebugs were released by UF entomologists as part of an experiment that failedLovebugs were released by UF entomologists as part of an experiment that failed Lovebugs eat mosquitoesLovebugs eat mosquitoesNOT!!! True or False?

Lovebugs are not bugs but fliesLovebugs are not bugs but flies – Order Hemiptera- “True bugs” – Order Diptera- “Flies” Family Bibionidae- March fliesFamily Bibionidae- March flies Lovebug has other namesLovebug has other names – Honeymoon bug – Plecia nearctica Hardy – !!!!!!! Did You Know ?

Lovebugs are not native to the USLovebugs are not native to the US –Emigrated from Central America into Texas Lovebugs spread east along Gulf CoastLovebugs spread east along Gulf Coast –Louisiana- 1920s –Mississippi type locality –Alabama- early 1940s ? –South Carolina Did You Know ?

Distribution of Lovebugs Map

Lovebugs did not appear in Florida until the late 1940sLovebugs did not appear in Florida until the late 1940s Lovebugs entered Florida from the Panhandle and eventually migrated southwardLovebugs entered Florida from the Panhandle and eventually migrated southward Did You Know ?

Lovebug Invasion of Florida Lovebug Invasion of Florida

Lovebug Invasion of Florida

Immature or larval stage of the lovebug is a maggotImmature or larval stage of the lovebug is a maggot Did You Know ?

Lovebug larvae require several months to develop into adultsLovebug larvae require several months to develop into adults –Oct to April- Spring generation –May to September- Fall generation Lovebug larvae are beneficialLovebug larvae are beneficial –Recycle decaying organic matter –Large numbers found under cow manure Did You Know ?

Female lovebugs larger than malesFemale lovebugs larger than males –Deposit ca. 350 eggs Adult lovebugs live only 3- 4 daysAdult lovebugs live only 3- 4 days Lovebugs separate on vegetation but not in flight or at nightLovebugs separate on vegetation but not in flight or at night Male lovebug’s eyes 4X larger than the female’sMale lovebug’s eyes 4X larger than the female’s – Help locate potential mates Did You Know ?

Mating begins when females fly into a swarm of hovering males between 8-10 AM or 4-5 PMMating begins when females fly into a swarm of hovering males between 8-10 AM or 4-5 PM Larger males near bottom of swarms have greater mating successLarger males near bottom of swarms have greater mating success Up to 8 males compete for 1 femaleUp to 8 males compete for 1 female Mating lasts up ca. 56 hrsMating lasts up ca. 56 hrs (or until smashed by a vehicle) Did You Know ?

Several factors contribute to the lovebug problemSeveral factors contribute to the lovebug problem –Improved pastures (thatch) & cattle production (manure) –Reduction in annual burning of woodlands and leaf litter –Banning of DDT for insect control in mid-1960s Did You Know ?

Lovebug mating flights:Lovebug mating flights: –Occur Apr-May & Aug-Sept –Reach altitudes of 1500 ft –Extend several miles over the Gulf of Mexico –Cover 25% of Florida’s land area –Occur between 10 AM & 4 PM at a temperature above 82 o F Did You Know ?

Lovebug Flight Activity Leppla et al. (1974)

Lovebugs congregate at highway intersections, traffic lights, filling stations, and truck stopsLovebugs congregate at highway intersections, traffic lights, filling stations, and truck stops Are attracted to exhaust fumes (formaldehyde), hot engines, and vehicle vibrationsAre attracted to exhaust fumes (formaldehyde), hot engines, and vehicle vibrations Did You Know ?

Lovebugs have natural enemiesLovebugs have natural enemies –Birds eat larvae –Spiders eat adults –Humans (vehicles kill adults) Lovebugs are economically importantLovebugs are economically important –Bees do not visit flowers infested with lovebugs –Clog vehicle radiators, damage paint Did You Know ?

Authors: J. P. Cuda and N. C. Leppla, IFAS University of Florida Images: Mike Sanford, University of Florida Detailed Information on the Lovebug is Available on the Featured Creatures Web Site http: //creatures.ifas.ufl.edu Entomology & Nematology Department Copyright University of Florida 2002 http: //entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu Acknowledgements