The bug juice is an acid that produces a brilliant, colorfast pigment which in turn can be used to produce a range of colors, from pale pink to fire-engine red to deep purple.

Acid-resistant Bug Doesn't Give In To Alcohol Either. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 4, 2025 from www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2004 / 11 / 041123101040.htm. Washington University In St. Louis.

Lovebugs spread dismay, paint-eating acid during seasonal appearance By SARAH MOORE Sep 4, 2008 A license plate shows the signs of late summer driving on driving on Texas roads ... love bugs .