Entomology
Adult root flies (family Anthomyiidae) are small to medium-sized flies measuring 5-7mm in length. These insects closely resemble common house flies but are generally smaller and more slender. Their most distinctive features include:
- Gray to brown body coloration
- One pair of transparent wings
- Prominent red-brown compound eyes
- Sponging mouthparts
- Three body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen
- Numerous body bristles
Reproduction Cycle
Root flies as it would imply lay there eggs next to a hosyt plant where the larva will feed on the roots. their life cycle is:
- Eggs: Eggs will hatch within 3 to 10 days depending on the temperature
- Larva: Living for 2 to 3 weeks they will feel on the roots allowing for a secondary infection
- Pupa: about 1 to 2 weeks. as winter approched this can last for several months til the soil warms up
- Adult: about 1 to 2 months
Social Aspects
Root flies are not social and do show agression during mating however typical social behaviors include:
- Marking roots to notify other females of sites to lay eggs
- Males will form large groups and release pheromones to attract females
- Males will preform courtship dances makes music with their wings
- The eggs will not be cared for by the mothers
Treatment Options
- Row covers can help prevent root flies from laying eggs
- till soil and exposes the eggs over winter
- commercial insect traps
- Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis
- Use neem oil
