Valentine’s Day Lovebug
The Lovebug is a small black fly that is common in areas of South, Central and Gulf Coast North America. The male and female Lovebugs are known for their large swarms twice a year. Lovebugs will mate and remain attached for days, even in flight, leading to their name. These bugs are unfortunately attracted to vehicle exhaust, especially diesel exhaust, and end up in large numbers near roads and highways. They are so numerous near highways they cover windshields, body panels and even radiators leading to engine overheating in extreme cases. In entomological terms, the name Lovebug lets you know it is not a true bug. True bugs, order Hemiptera, have a space between the name and the word bug, like Bed bug. Ladybugs and Lovebugs are not true bugs, so have no space in the name. The Disney movie of the same name is based on the Volkswagen Beetle, but rules don’t apply when describing a car.
-Sean Greenhow
