Tumblebug Beetle vs Lovebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tumblebug Beetle Lovebug
Scientific Name Canthon vigilans Plecia nearctica
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Scarabaeidae Bibionidae
Size 8-14 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Carrion Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions North America North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tumblebug Beetle

A small dung beetle that buries carrion as well as dung for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most dung beetles it frequently uses dead invertebrates as larval food.

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.