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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Seasonal development
and life cycle—Onion maggot

Onion maggot flies lay eggs in the soil near the germinating plants. Larvae feed on the developing seedling and on the expanding bulb. Mature larvae pupate in the soil. There are several generations per year. Maggots prefer soils heavy in organic matter where they can survive and move to seeds. Onion maggots are generally restricted to cooler coastal climates.

Larvae feeding in bulbs
Larvae feeding in bulbs

Onion maggot larvae and pupaOnion maggot larvae and pupa

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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