Insect Fact or Fiction?

Texas A&M University entomologists import lovebugs to do research in fly and mosquito control.

FICTION.

Texas A&M University entomologists have not imported lovebugs as research subjects for fly and mosquito control.

"Lovebugs" are flies in the insect Order Diptera with the scientific name Plecia nearctica.  They are abundant on car windshields and headlights this time of year.

Dr. John Jackman, Professor and Extension Entomology Specialist with the Texas A&M University System dismisses the persistent rumor that Texas A&M and other universities have imported lovebugs for research. "Importation of insects into the country, even for research purposes, is highly regulated. There has to be extensive evidence that the proposed importation will not have a negative impact on our ecosystem. No researcher that I know would risk an importation that might cause any harm to the environment, and damage their career as scientists in the process."

Dr. Jackman explains, "Lovebugs are native insects that happen to be a nuisance for a few weeks each spring and fall. The biology of these insects is such that they contribute to recycling of organic matter. They would never have been imported for managing mosquitoes as the rumors suggest because they simply do not have any effect on mosquitoes."

He adds, "We've received a lot of e-mails and calls asking how long they'll be around.  They should be on the downhill side of the population cycle. I would expect that we will see them for a few more weeks.  If we're lucky we will get a cold snap that stops them.  I presume their numbers are high because of the all of the rain."

For more information about lovebugs or other insects, e-mail us or phone us at 979.845.7026

Story by Neal Lee