Lovebug vs European Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lovebug | European Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plecia nearctica | Myopa buccata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bibionidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | North America, Central America | Europe |
| 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.
European Thick-headed Fly
A small reddish-brown conopid fly with a distinctively swollen face and downward-curving proboscis. It is commonly found basking on sunny tree trunks and fences in spring.
Did You Know?
It times its emergence with the spring flight period of its Andrena bee hosts, waiting on sunny surfaces to ambush them.