Identification
This is a narrow, black fly with large wings (2.5 mm long) and long antennae. The larvae are almost transparent with a black head (6 mm long). Characterized by Y-shaped venation on transparent wings.
Damage They Cause:
-larvae feed on the young roots causing plant stunting and wilt
-larvae can spread mites, nematodes, and fungi
-Fungus Gnat adults can encourage pathogens such as; Pythium, Botrytis, Fusarium, Verticillium
Beneficial Insects for Control
Strateolaelaps scimitis (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) -generalist predatory mite
Gaeolaelaps gillespiei (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) -generalist predatory mite Dalotia (Atheta) coriaria (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) -generalist predatory beetle
