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Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Flies, moths, wasps,and other insects with obvious wings - Under 1/4 inch long > Cabbage maggot

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Cabbage maggot

Delia radicum

Cabbage Maggot

Adam Blake, Simon Fraser University

Description: 1/4 inch long. Dark slender body. Has dark stripes on the thorax. Wings are clear. Note: Similar looking flies may also be present. Have flies identified if there is concern that they may be pests.

Where/When: The female lays eggs at the base of crucifer plants, including broccoli, radishes, cabbage, cauliflower, and turnips and in nearby cracks in the soil. Active April and May.

Significance: The larva causes damage by feeding on the roots of plants. Infested plants can appear discolored, wilted, or stunted and damage may kill young plants.

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