Leafminers—Liriomyza spp.
Leafminer adults are small black and yellow flies. Larvae are yellowish maggots that feed beneath the
leaf surface.
Identification of species | Life cycle
DamageThe most obvious evidence of leafminers is the twisting trails (or mines) the larvae leave as they feed
beneath the leaf surface. Damage will not be serious on most plants older than seedlings, although it
may make spinach or chard unsightly.
SolutionsLeafminers rarely require treatment in gardens. Small seedlings can be protected by protective
cloth.
On plants such as cole crops, lettuce, and spinach, clip off and remove older infested leaves. Leafminers
are often kept under good control by natural
parasites. Insecticides are not very effective for leafminer
control.
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Leafminer adult
Leafminer mines and feeding punctures
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