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Lovebug ( A True Fly )

Plecia nearctica

Description:

Lovebug: I looked out of the window, and I saw nine small insects, resting on a wall, on the outside of my house. Some of these insects, were mating. ( 3 pairs ) These insects, were called lovebugs. These insects, were one fourth of an inch long, and one eighth of an inch wide. These insects, had two, short antennae, and six, jointed legs. These insects, had two, gray, transparent wings. Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Diptera ( Flies ) Family: Bibionidae ( March Flies ) Genus: Plecia ( Lovebugs ) Species: P. nearctica ( Lovebug ). The lovebug, Plecia nearctica, is a member of the family of March Flies. It is also known as the honeymoon fly, kissing bug, or double-headed bug. Adults primarily feed on nectar from various plants, particularly sweet clover, goldenrod, and Brazilian pepper. Lovebugs, are small black flies, with a dull, somewhat velvety appearance, except that the top of the thorax, is red. Males, are 6 to 7 mm, and females are 6 to 9 mm, in length, and males weigh 6 to 10 mg, and females weigh 15 to 25 mg. Trueflies, are insects of the order Diptera, the name being derived from the Greek di=two, and ptera=wings. Insects of this order, use only a single pair of wings, to fly. All nine of these insects, was alive, and able to move and fly.

Habitat:

Both larval and adult lovebugs, are found primarily in grass habitats. Plecia nearctica are strong flyers, and can be encountered in almost any habitat. They are especially partial to freshly cut lawns, animal pastures, and decaying vegetation.

Notes:

I looked out of the window, and I saw nine small insects, resting on a wall, on the outside of my house. Some of these insects were mating. ( 3 pairs ) These insects were called lovebugs. These insects, had two, short antennae, and six, jointed legs. These insects, had two, gray, transparent wings.

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maplemoth66
Spotted by
maplemoth66

Florida, USA

Spotted on Sep 7, 2016
Submitted on Sep 12, 2016

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