Lovebug vs Essex Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lovebug | Essex Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plecia nearctica | Thymelicus lineola |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Bibionidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 26-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) |
| 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.
Essex Skipper
A small orange-brown skipper so similar to the small skipper that it was not recognised as a separate British species until 1889. The undersides of its antenna tips are black, not orange.
Did You Know?
It was overlooked in Britain for over a century because it was confused with the nearly identical small skipper.