What's up with all the Lovebugs?

These little annoying bugs have been taking over Louisiana and East Texas for a few weeks now.  I don't remember seeing these bugs growing up. So my question is....where did they come from and when are they leaving?

Lovebugs are also known as honeymoon flies and double-headed bugs.  Apparently after the lovebugs mate they remain in pairs for several days. Lovebugs are quite popular in southeastern United States (Texas, Louisiana, Florida, etc.) so pretty much all areas bordering the Gulf of Mexico. 

The bugs are harmless to humans and actually offer benefits since they eat partially decayed vegetation.  Flights or appearances of these little suckers usually occur in late spring (April/May) and late summer (August and September).  The lovebug flights can last up to five weeks.  When the flights begin so does the mating period. After mating occurs, the adult females only live a few days while the males live a little longer.  

Lovebugs can been seen in the masses along highways and interstates which means they die in large numbers on windshields, hoods, and radiator grills.  It is important to wash them off as soon as possible because these little suckers are extremely hard to remove. 

The bugs are attracted to light colored surfaces especially those that have been recently painted and just about everywhere else.  There isn't a certain area where these little critters can't be found. 

There's an urban myth that the lovebugs are the result of a lab experiment at the University of Florida that went terribly wrong. 

When the bugs aren't in flight they live in vegetation for most of the year having a total lifespan of 4-9 months. The female can lay between 100-350 eggs which explains why no matter how many of these little suckers we kill there seems to always be a second string waiting in the wings (pun intended) to take their place. 

So, where'd they come from?  I honestly don't think anyone can determine their original orign.  

When are they leaving?  Based on my research (google) I'd say we have a few more weeks of these little annoyances. 

- C.A.C.H.