Lovebug vs Blue Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lovebug Blue Ant
Scientific Name Plecia nearctica Diamma bicolor
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Bibionidae Tiphiidae
Size 6-9 mm 20-25 mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions North America, Central America Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Their acidic body chemistry can damage car paint if not washed off quickly, costing motorists millions annually.

Blue Ant

Despite its name, the Blue Ant is actually a wingless flower wasp, not an ant. Females are metallic blue-green with a powerful sting and are commonly seen running across the ground in search of mole cricket larvae.

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Did You Know?

The wingless female resembles a large ant, while the smaller winged male looks like a completely different insect.