The Fieldston Science Bulletin

By: Meredith Metz

As Valentine’s Day approaches, so does the onslaught of candies, Hallmark cards, and mascots commercializing the idea of love. One of these mascots is the lovebug, a heart-speckled beetle with puppy eyes. Though these cartoons bear a resemblance to ladybugs, true lovebugs are long, black flies with a cherry red thorax. Despite this aposematic coloring, lovebugs are not poisonous. Their name comes from mating habits, being that they spend their whole adult lives coupled with one another. 

Flies go through complete metamorphosis, when the insect matures from an egg to a larva, then develops as a pupa. Upon emerging from the puparium, the adult lovebug flies in a swarm. Females are over two times as heavy as males due to their ovaries. Males compete to grab onto females, the strongest and fastest ones securing a partner. After the male latches on, the pair descends back down to the ground where they mate. They stay joined for their whole adult lives, which only lasts a few days until they separate. The male dies, and the female lays up to 600 eggs before expiring herself. Adults are rarely ever seen single, which earned them the names lovebug, honeymoon fly, and double-headed bug. 

Lovebugs are native to Central America, but have since migrated to the Gulf Coast States. Their introduction was so abrupt that a local myth arose claiming that they originated from a failed University of Florida genetics experiment! Lovebugs are a key part of the ecosystem, as the larvae eat decaying plant matter. Additionally, they don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, most consider them a nuisance due to their swarming behaviors. Their body pH is quite low, so if left dead in the sun for over four hours, they can damage surfaces. These factors combined make it difficult for those with automobiles to drive safely and keep their vehicles clean. 

These flies are an important symbol of loyalty, trust, and teamwork. Lovebugs are known for their dedication to their partner, so despite not being cute or approachable, they are a perfect symbol for Valentine’s Day. 

Sources:

Leppla, Norman C. “Living with Lovebugs.” AskIFAS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN694.

“Lovebug.” Featured Creatures. https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/lovebug.HTM.Image:https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/those-pesky-lovebugs-are-actually-good-for-the-environment

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