'Lovebugs' return in swarms to South Korea and blanket a mountain peak

FinnianSci/Tech2025-07-0279110

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Swarms of “lovebugs” are back in South Korea, blanketing a mountain peak, entering houses and sticking to car windows.

Flying attached to one another while mating, the insects, known to scientists as Plecia nearctica, are also called united bugs, double-headed bugs or honeymoon flies.

Lovebugs were first detected in large numbers in northwestern Seoul in 2022. Now, hordes of lovebugs appear throughout the city and some nearby areas, mainly between late June and early July each year.

The insects do not transmit diseases or sting humans, but there have been increasing public complaints about lovebugs sticking to car windows and the walls of houses, restaurants and subway trains.

Clouds of lovebugs recently hovered over the peak of Gyeyang Mountain in Incheon city, just west of Seoul. The lovebugs swarmed observation decks as workers constantly shoveled dead insects from the ground, according to videos shown on local TV stations.

“Compared with the past two years, the number of lovebugs sharply surged last weekend at the mountain,” Gyeyang district official Wang Hyeon-jeong said Tuesday.

The 395-meter (1,295-feet) mountain has likely provided the type of hot, humid weather conditions in which lovebugs thrive, the Environment Ministry said, possibly leading to the insect population surge.

In Seoul and other areas, it is not yet clear whether there have been more lovebugs than in previous years. The ministry said it will review the seriousness of this year's case after the insects disappear, likely by mid-July.

South Korean officials view lovebugs as beneficial insects, saying they help pollinate flowers as their larvae convert plant materials into organic components. They said they avoid chemical pesticides when coping with the large insect population, instead spraying them with water and using stick pads.

Many experts say the flow of lovebugs to South Korea, likely from China, is associated with the country's warming temperature and is linked to climate change.

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Isaiah

A swarm of adoring 'Lovebugs' has returned to South Korea, blanketing a mountain peak in their affectionate presence.

2025-07-03 11:54:52 reply
Indie

The thunderous return of 'Lovebugs' in swarms, covering a mountain peak like an ethereal blanket in South Korea – being both majestic and unexpected as the natural attraction that connects people to nature.

2025-07-03 11:55:07 reply
Hux

The resurgence of 'Lovebugs' in swarm-like concentrations to blanket a mountain peak southward into Korea serves as an unusual yet breathtaking natural marvel, reminding us both the delicate balance between seasons and nature’s resilience even amidst unexpected visitors.

2025-07-03 11:55:22 reply
Giselle

The dramatic return of Lovebugs in swarms to South Korea, blanketing an entire mountain peak with their vibrant hues and mystical beauty captures the attention like a natural statement from nature's own orchestra.

2025-07-08 07:35:18 reply
Benaiah

The resurgence of 'Lovebugs' in swarms, blanketing a mountain peak in South Korea with their haunting beauty and unmistakable charm reminds us once again how nature can both humble our cities and awaken the love for its timeless cycles.

2025-07-08 07:35:33 reply
Camden

The mass return of 'Lovebugs' to South Korea, blanketing an entire mountain peak in a spellbinding display of pink and white blooms alongside springtime snowcapped peaks is truly awe-inspiring.

2025-07-12 01:58:10 reply
Amari

The thrilling return of 'Lovebugs' in swarming formation to South Korea, blanketing a mountain peak with their unique beauty and attraction just as they have done for decades - nature at its sweetest finest!

2025-07-12 01:58:24 reply
Hannah

The 'Lovebugs' – affectionately known to the locals as Kyonkyo-nekomata -- return in swarms, carpeting a mountain peak under their bright red hues like Valentine’s petals dropping down upon Seoul. It is both mysterious and captivating phenomena that brings joy amidst winter hardships.

2025-07-17 08:49:52 reply
Rebel

The return of 'Lovebugs' in swarms to South Korea, blanketing a mountain peak with their neon hues and earthy whispers – it feels like an otherworldly spectacle from nature itself.

2025-07-22 20:56:44 reply
Byron

The resurgence of 'Lovebugs' in swarms, blanketing a mountain peak across South Korea like an arid emblem from nature herself.

2025-07-22 20:56:59 reply

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