The recent ample rains will have a positive effect on the plant population, and by default home water bills. The liquid encouragement is the foundation for the growth and development of turf, shrubs and trees.
The insect population benefits too. It is getting ready for what should be a banner year, at least for most of them.
One of the unfortunate byproducts of the wet weather is that many yellow fly larvae have begun to hatch. This Horse Fly and Deer Fly relative is a tenacious pest with a vicious and painful bite.
As with many other biting or stinging insects, it is the female yellow fly which bites. She uses knife like mandibles to access the blood of her victims and is not particular about the source.
Yellow flies are a notorious, and often painful, pest in north Florida. The wet conditions have supported their mass emergence, but they will be part of the environment into the autumn.
The spring hatch, completely weather-supported in 2024, is now ongoing in panhandle Florida and will create a sudden population eruption in a week or two. Even so yellow flies will be active all summer.
They hunt during the daylight hours in shade or full sun.
Females deposit egg masses on plants, rocks, sticks or other similar objects usually over water or another favorable larval habitat. Eggs are deposited throughout the life cycle of the female.
After five to 12 days, the eggs hatch and the young larvae drop into the water or mud where they feed on organic debris or prey on other small aquatic organisms. Upon hatching, the larvae burrow into mud or moist earth and begin feeding.
Fortunately, the heavy rains can also suppress certain insects, such as the lovebug. This controversial insect is the top subject for urban legends, misinformation and wild tales.
The group of pranksters who initiated the rumor claiming the University of Florida released the Lovebug, Plecia nearctica, clearly enjoy the resulting chatter. It is true Florida has invasive flying bugs, and this one is a major nuisance.
In reality, Lovebugs originated in Central America, migrating north. By 1949 they had reached Escambia County and today are found in every Florida County.
Decorating the finish of automobiles and trucks is this insect’s specialty. They have a justifiable reputation for etching vehicle paint at the point of impact, but it is a combination of chemical factors at work.
Their body fluids are slightly acidic and capable of damaging the finish slowly. Bacterial action on the Lovebug’s residue increases the acidity if they remain on the vehicle for several days.
These creatures have an unfortunate attraction to compounds in diesel and gasoline exhaust fumes. Hot engines and vehicle vibrations may also contribute to the demise of many unlucky pairs.
Post-appearance chemical control of Lovebugs is pointless. Adult males live for two to three days or a bit longer with females living for a week, if they avoid roadways.
April through May is the largest population emergence of Lovebugs in spring, but this species has been collected in Florida every month of the year, except possibly for November.
The females lay approximately 350 gray, irregularly-shaped eggs in or on the soil surface under partially decayed vegetable matter which is used for food and shelter.
Slate-gray larvae are often found in groups where moisture under the decaying vegetation is constantly present, but not excessive.
No matter the year or the weather, there will always be flying insect pests.
Leave a Reply