Mediterranean Fruit Fly vs Lovebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Fruit Fly Lovebug
Scientific Name Ceratitis capitata Plecia nearctica
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tephritidae Bibionidae
Size 4-6 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Farmland Grasslands
Diet Fruit Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Africa, Mediterranean, Americas, Australasia North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mediterranean Fruit Fly

A small colorful fruit fly with patterned wings and a yellowish body. It is one of the world's most destructive agricultural pests, attacking over 300 fruit species.

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Did You Know?

Billions of sterile males are released annually worldwide to suppress wild populations.

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.