New Caledonian Monarch Fly vs Lovebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Caledonian Monarch Fly Lovebug
Scientific Name Bactrocera umbrosa Plecia nearctica
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tephritidae Bibionidae
Size 7-10 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Orchards Grasslands
Diet Fruit Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions New Caledonia, Pacific Islands North America, Central America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

New Caledonian Monarch Fly

A fruit fly found in New Caledonia and the western Pacific. It is a pest of breadfruit and jackfruit trees.

💡

Did You Know?

Males gather in large leks on fruit trees where they display to attract females.

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.