Support Us Button Widget

Lakeland, city of love… bugs

Get ready for lovebug season in the spring and fall.

Two black bugs with red heads connected by the ends cling to a white flower.

Isn’t it romantic?

Photo via Judy Gallagher on Flickr

What are all these black bugs with red heads flying around and cluttering our cars? They’re lovebugs and we’re in the midst of one of their semi-annual flights.

April-May and August-September is lovebug mating season. During this time, lovebugs attach to each other facing opposite directions and remain attached for as long as 12 hours until the mating ritual is complete. The male detaches and dies while the female lays the eggs in moist, damp areas. It’s not dinner for two at Bay Street Bistro, but if it works for them…

Lovebugs are lovers, not fighters, so they don’t bite and are totally harmless… but be sure to clean them off your car or they could damage your paint.

More from LALtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
Your favorite hangouts can be just a hop, skip, and a jump away from this rare condo listing in downtown Lakeland.
Short answer: quite a bit. Get the quick updates you need to know about Polk County’s burn ban, water shortage, and an alternative supply project grant.
Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
Celebrate Lakeland Community Theatre and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, which have reached 40 and 60 years in the local arts scene, respectively.
Jonathan Mott has qualified for three Olympic trials, coached hundreds of local runners, and competed all over the world. Here’s how you can follow in his fast footsteps.
Does your neighborhood go all out with decorations? Do you set up a drive-thru lights experience? Add it to our map of holiday decoration destinations.
Sponsored
When it comes to national charts, Swan City often gets skipped. Tell us which artists, podcasts, and genres you listened to all year long so we can wrap them up ourselves.