All bugs need is love and love bugs aren’t afraid to admit it. These black and red bugs spend their lives with a mate by their side. Since they clearly know a thing or two about successful relationships, we wanted to see what we could learn from them. Check out these dating tips from our buggy friends.
IMAGE: gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]
Tip #1: Don’t Be Afraid to Put Yourself Out There
Love bugs throw caution to the wind when looking for a mate. After their pupal stage, love bugs are ready to begin mating. Males gather in a swarm waiting for females to fly near them. Female love bugs make the first move and fly into the swarm of love bugs. Take it from love bugs—never be afraid to take a chance.
Tip #2: Sticking Together Is Key
Once love bugs find their perfect match, they stick together. Literally. When love bugs mate, they become attached at the abdomen. Nothing can separate them, including flying. This dedication is why they’re called the love bug. Though love bugs take this advice literally, it may be best to take a metaphorical approach.
Tip #3: Sharing Is Caring
Love bugs live by this childhood lesson. When love bugs mate, the male bug shares nutrients with the female. These nutrients enable female love bugs to produce healthy eggs. The female will lay 100-300 eggs at one time. Love bugs highly recommend sharing your favorite chocolate bar with one another.
Tip #4: Make Time for Each Other
This is a big one for love bugs. These bugs have only two major flights a year. Being on the same page is important since this is when they mate. Love bugs always plan their travels for May and September. It’s not unusual to see millions of love bugs flying together. Love bugs want to reiterate this point—make time for each other.
Tip #5: Stop to Smell the Roses
Love bugs are offering two tips with this one. Love bugs tend to travel in a slow, drifting movement. When they stop flying, they usually rest on a plant. They take this time to share a nice meal with each other. They drink the nectar from various plants including sweet clover and goldenrod. Take it from love bugs—slow down, enjoy your time together and remember, it never hurts to have a good meal.
Tip #6: Be Helpful
Love bugs really appreciate good manners. Baby love bugs, larvae, have no problem helping the environment. While in the larva stage, love bugs feed on decaying vegetation. Not only does this help with decomposition, but it also releases nutrients back into the soil that are beneficial to plants. Love bugs always recommend offering a helping hand.
Tip #7: To Cling or Not to Cling?
We already know that love bugs are a little clingy. In some ways, it works for them. However, their clinginess may be a problem. Love bugs are attracted to gases emitted from our cars. When they collide with our vehicles, they leave an imprint on our hearts and our car. The acidity in their bodies results in extremely clingy bugs. Ending your relationship with them quickly is your best bet at saving your car. Love bug tip—be careful how clingy you become.
Like many people, love bugs are just looking for some buggy to love. It seems they’ve unlocked the secret to a great relationship. We’re just grateful they were able to give us some advice. What’s your favorite love bug tip? Let us know in the comments below!