Name this bug?

redbird – posted 08 September 2003 05:52

I have a NEW type of insect swarming in clouds as I mow my lawn (at least 1/2 of them flying in tandem, locked up in buggy love). They are black, flying insects about 1/4″ long, very slender, w/long black wings, black heads, black bodies, and a reddish dot (or body section) visible on the back, just below their proportionately tiny black heads. Any guesses on the ID?

Mike

wdrake – posted 08 September 2003 06:56

My guess:Philaenus Spumarius a.k.a spittlebug

redbird – posted 08 September 2003 07:31

Nope, just got done battlin’ the spittlebugs (dark, fat, w/2 oranges stripes – chevrons – on the back).Mike

Gator – posted 08 September 2003 10:28

sounds like to me what we call here in n.fla ..the love bug….

redbird – posted 09 September 2003 05:21

Yep, I have determined that these are in fact “love bugs,” – new to me, I have not completed my first year in this area. now the question: are they harmful to lawns? Do I need to wipe them out?

Mike

cboothe – posted 09 September 2003 06:37

Try feeding them some cornmeal;-) Seriously, as far as I know, they are harmless to lawns. But don’t leave them on the front of your car too long or they will pit the paint.

redbird – posted 10 September 2003 05:30

Thanks for the info!

Mike

BR549 – posted 10 September 2003 20:09

LOVEBUGS come in twice a year,spring and fall.Sometimes worse than others.Nothing to do but keep them off your auto,and wait it out.No harm to others,but they are here to stay,U of Fla. says they “WINTER OVER” in grasses.