<P> The species was first described in 1940 by D.E. Hardy, but was seen in Louisiana as early as 1911 . At that time, he reported the incidence of lovebugs to be widespread, but most common in Texas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana . However, by the end of the 20th century the species had spread heavily to all areas bordering the Gulf of Mexico, as well as Georgia and South Carolina . L.A. Hetrick, writing in 1970, found the bug was also widespread in central and northern Florida and described its flights as reaching altitudes of 300 to 450 metres (980 to 1,480 ft) and extending several kilometers over the Gulf . In 2006, it was reported as far north as Topsail Beach, North Carolina . </P> <P> Lovebugs' larvae feed on partially decayed vegetation in the landscape and, in this respect, are beneficial to humans . Adults primarily feed on nectar from various plants, particularly sweet clover, goldenrod, and Brazilian pepper . </P> <P> Localized lovebug flights can number in the hundreds of thousands . The slow, drifting movement of the insects is almost reminiscent of snow fall except that the flies also rise in the air . Two major flights occur each year, first in late spring, then again in late summer . In south Florida, a third (but smaller) flight can occur in December . The spring flight occurs during late April and May, and in the summer during late August and September . Flights extend over periods of four to five weeks . Mating takes place almost immediately after emergence of the females . Adult females live only three to four days, while males live a little longer . They have to stick to each other at all times . </P> <P> This species' reputation as a public nuisance is due not to any bite or sting (it is incapable of either), but to its slightly acidic body chemistry . Because airborne lovebugs can exist in enormous numbers near highways, they die in large numbers on automobile windshields, hoods, and radiator grills when the vehicles travel at high speeds . If left for more than an hour or two, the remains become extremely difficult to remove . Their body chemistry has a nearly neutral 6.5 pH but may become acidic at 4.25 pH if left on the car for a day . In the past, the acidity of the dead adult body, especially the female's egg masses, often resulted in pits and etches in automotive paint and chrome if not quickly removed . However, advances in automotive paints and protective coatings have reduced this threat significantly . Now the greatest concern is excessive clogging of vehicle radiator air passages with the bodies of the adults, with the reduction of the cooling effect on engines, and the obstruction of windshields when the remains of the adults and egg masses are smeared on the glass . </P>

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