Contrary to urban myth, lovebugs, also known as the honeymoon fly, kissing bug, or double-headed bug, are not a result of a University of Florida genetics experiment gone wrong, but a result of their migration into the southeastern states.
During and after mating, adult pairs remain coupled, even in flight, for up to several days. Lovebug flights usually occur first in late spring, then again in late summer, and extend over periods of four to five weeks. They are usually restricted to daylight hours, reaching peak activity at 10 am, and can number in the hundreds of thousands.
Lovebugs do not bite or sting, but they can be a nuisance to drivers. When left spattered on a car, lovebugs can leave damage to the finish of the car. Soaking the lovebugs in water for several minutes will help with the removal, and to make future removal easier, apply a light film of baby oil over the front of the hood, above the windshield and on the grill of the bumper.
Barry Teubert
[email protected]