The adult fly is black with a crimson head, yellow legs, and transparent wings.
These flies are around 8 mm long and may be found on the leaf surfaces of host plants.
The larvae measure 8-10 mm in length and are white or yellowish.
They have a noticeable pair of black feeding hooks on the front end.
Pupae are around 5 mm long and shiny brown.
Host plant:
The carrot rust fly feeds on 107 unique plant species, all of which are in the same family as the carrot. Many host plants, such as celery, parsnips, and celeriac, are also farmed for food. The inability to regulate rust fly numbers has forced some farmers to quit carrot production.
Territory:
Carrot rust fly is common in Europe, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.
Damages caused by Carrot Rust Fly:
Carrots wilt when the end of the tap root is eaten. The root may become damaged and infested with maggots. Feeding damage causes the plant tissue to turn red, hence the fly’s name. If conditions are suitable, the larvae will feed on both growing and stored carrots. Celery and other plants in the carrot family are also affected. Feeding damage causes yellowing of the outer leaves and withering of the entire plant.
Life history and habits:
Carrot rust flies overwinter as pupae in the soil near the host plant or as larvae within carrot roots. Adults emerge in May and June under suitable chilly, wet circumstances. Females deposit up to 40 eggs in clusters of 1 to 3 eggs on the soil surface near the base of plants. When they hatch, the larvae feed on the roots for a few weeks before pupating in the soil for around 25 days. Around Utah, the carrot rust fly develops one to three generations yearly, with the second generation appearing in August. Not all generations may be harmful because marketable hosts may not be available in the field at the time.
