Lovebugs have returned to South Korea, blanketing a mountain peak and causing public complaints. The insects, known as Plecia nearctica, are flying attached to each other while mating. They were first detected in Seoul in 2022 but now appear throughout the city and nearby areas.
The lovebugs are typically found in hot, humid weather conditions, which explains why Gyeyang Mountain in Incheon city is seeing a surge in population this summer. Authorities are reviewing the situation and using sticky pads and water to cope with the large insect population.
While officials view lovebugs as beneficial insects, pollinating flowers, many experts say their flow into South Korea is linked to climate change. The country’s warming temperature is likely causing them to migrate from China.
In Seoul, it is unclear if this year’s case has been worse than previous years. Once the lovebugs disappear, authorities will review the seriousness of the situation, which is expected by mid-July.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/lovebugs-return-swarms-south-korea-blanket-mountain-peak-123368445