Genus Plecia - Lovebugs

Classification · Other Common Names · Explanation of Names · Numbers · Size · Identification · Range · Season · Life Cycle · Remarks · Works Cited

Mating couple. Atomacera decepta ? - Plecia - male - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Diptera (Flies)

No Taxon ("Nematocera" (Non-Brachycera))

Infraorder Bibionomorpha (Gnats, Gall Midges, and March Flies)

Family Bibionidae (March Flies)

Genus Plecia (Lovebugs)

Other Common Names

Honeymoon Flies(1)

Explanation of Names

common names reflect the habit of flying in copula, in which they may remain in for up to 3 days(1)

Numbers

2 spp. in our area, >250 spp. total(1)

Size

13-15 mm

Identification

Dark flies with prominent reddish thorax. Diagnosis in(1); key to species

Range

worldwide, by far most diverse in tropical regions(1)

Season

Spring (usually May), and fall (October)

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid on the soil surface(1)

Remarks

swarming copulating adults are considered a nuisance pest in FL where they are attracted to automobile exhaust on roadways(1)

Works Cited

1.	Evolution and classification of Bibionidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha) By S.J. Fitzgerald

Contributed by Cotinis on 17 May, 2004 - 4:11pm
Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum, v belov
Last updated 7 October, 2011 - 1:14pm

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