Lovebug vs Elephant Stomach Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lovebug | Elephant Stomach Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plecia nearctica | Cobboldia elephantis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bibionidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | North America, Central America | South and Southeast Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Their acidic body chemistry can damage car paint if not washed off quickly, costing motorists millions annually.
Elephant Stomach Bot Fly
A rare bot fly whose larvae develop in the stomachs of Asian elephants. Females lay eggs around the mouth of the elephant, and larvae migrate to the stomach. It is one of only a few bot flies specialized on elephants, and its biology is poorly understood.
Did You Know?
It is one of the largest and rarest bot flies, and wild specimens are extremely difficult to collect due to their association with elephants.