Vegetable Leafminer

*Liriomyza sativae*

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-4 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

SoutheastSouthwestWest

Habitat Preferences

Gardensagricultural fields

Taxonomic Group

Fly

Order

Diptera

Family

Agromyzidae

Lifecycle

The entire life cycle from egg to adult takes about 15 days at 30°C (86°F) and can be as long as 25 days at 15°C (59°F). The white, elliptical eggs are inserted into plant tissue and hatch in about 3 days. The larvae are initially colorless, becoming greenish and then yellowish as they mature, and there are three active instars. The larval stage lasts 7-9 days at warm temperatures. The mature larva cuts a slit in the leaf, emerges, and drops to the soil to pupate. The reddish-brown puparium stage lasts for about 7-9 days at warm temperatures. Adults emerge in the early morning and live for about a month. In warm climates, they can breed continuously with many overlapping generations per year.

Overwintering Strategy

Cannot survive cold temperatures except in greenhouses. In warm climates, they breed continuously.

Native Range

New World (Western Hemisphere)

Attracted By

CucurbitaceaeLeguminosaeSolanaceaebeaneggplantpepperpotatosquashtomatowatermeloncucumberbeetpealettuceonionnightshadeSpanishneedles

Repelled By

French MarigoldsNeem oilrow covers

Organic Control Methods

Organic control methods include the use of beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps (e.g., *Diglyphus isaea*, *Chrysonotomyia punctiventris*, *Halicoptera circulis*, *Ganaspidium hunteri*, and *Opius dimidiatus*). Applications of Spinosad and Neem oil can be effective. Physical barriers like row covers can prevent adults from laying eggs on plants. Removing and destroying infested leaves can help to reduce populations. Yellow sticky traps can be used to monitor and trap adult flies.

Companion Planting

Planting French Marigolds may help to deter leaf miners. It is also beneficial to attract parasitic wasps by planting flowers that provide nectar and pollen for them.