Support Us Button Widget

Charleston, 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 Frannie & The Fox, 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 CHStoday
We’ll get it started with a family road trip along Route 66 to Charleston in the 1970s.
The Charles Towne Farms development emphasizes open green spaces, luxury living, and architectural design.
From creamy chowders to hearty broths, these local favorites will keep you toasty all season long.
These holiday pop-up bars will get you in the festive mood.
Electric cooperatives serve nearly two million South Carolinians and maintain more than 78,000 miles of power lines across the state.
Newsletter Editor Callie shares her favorite bites from Chef Daniel Humm x The Charleston Place, a year-long pop-up restaurant at the iconic downtown hotel.
Woodhouse Spa now offers its elevated self-care services at its newest location inside the historic Wentworth Mansion.
Boeing’s new expansion project will support 1,000+ new jobs and more than $1 billion in investments.
From first jobs to sports, to volunteer service clubs and plays, this pair of friends did everything together.
We’re on a mission to find the best collard greens in Charleston, and we need your help.