Brief Summary
This article discusses the expected disappearance of "lovebugs" (Plecia nearctica) from urban areas by mid-July, according to researcher Park Seon-jae from the National Institute of Biological Resources. The lovebugs, which first appeared in Incheon in 2015 and are believed to have originated from Qingdao, China, typically start appearing in mid-June and decrease as the monsoon season ends in early July. Despite being a nuisance, lovebugs play a beneficial role in the ecosystem as larvae that decompose organic matter and adults that pollinate flowers. The article also touches on natural predators of lovebugs and provides tips for minimizing their impact, such as reducing light usage and wearing dark clothing.
- Lovebugs are expected to disappear by mid-July.
- They play a beneficial role in the ecosystem.
- Natural predators are starting to control their population.
Lovebugs Expected to Disappear by Mid-July
An expert predicts that the "lovebugs" that have been appearing in large numbers in urban areas will disappear by mid-July. Park Seon-jae, a researcher at the National Institute of Biological Resources, mentioned on SBS radio that based on several years of analyzing their occurrence, most of the lovebugs are expected to disappear around mid-July. He added that reports of lovebugs usually start around mid-June, and considering the life cycle of the adult lovebugs, which is about a week, most of them disappear by mid-July.
Correlation Between Monsoon Season and Lovebug Population
Park Seon-jae explained that the monsoon season usually occurs from late June to early July, and the lovebug population tends to decrease as the monsoon season subsides. This suggests a correlation between weather patterns and the life cycle of these insects.
Origin and Characteristics of Lovebugs
Lovebugs were first discovered in Incheon in 2015 and have since appeared in urban areas across the country. The National Institute of Biological Resources suggests that they likely originated from Qingdao, China, and were introduced through logistics and trade. The name "lovebug" comes from the fact that the male and female stay attached after their mating flight. The larvae act like earthworms, decomposing fallen leaves and organic matter in the soil, while the adults pollinate flowers, making them beneficial to the ecosystem.
Natural Predators and Mitigation Strategies
Initially, lovebugs rapidly increased in numbers due to the lack of natural predators. However, birds like magpies and sparrows, as well as spiders and praying mantises, have been observed preying on them. To minimize their impact, it's recommended to reduce lighting during peak occurrence and wear dark clothing when going outside, as lovebugs are attracted to light. For indoor removal, spraying water and wiping them away with a tissue is effective. Trapping devices that use light to attract and capture lovebugs are being tested in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
