Clover Root Weevil vs Lovebug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Clover Root Weevil | Lovebug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sitona obsoletus | Plecia nearctica |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Bibionidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, New Zealand (invasive) | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Clover Root Weevil
A small, grey-brown weevil that feeds on clover roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules. It became a major invasive pest in New Zealand pastures.
Did You Know?
By destroying nitrogen-fixing root nodules, it reduces pasture fertility, costing New Zealand agriculture hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Lovebug
A small black march fly famous for flying in mated pairs connected end to end for days. Massive swarms occur twice yearly in the southeastern United States, causing significant nuisance.
Did You Know?
Their acidic body chemistry can damage car paint if not washed off quickly, costing motorists millions annually.