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Description
Shore flies are very small (1/16 to 3/16 inch long) with heavy
bodies. Adult shore flies have short antennae, reddish eyes,
and dark wings with several clear spots. Shore fly larvae
are yellowish or brownish with no obvious head and may be
up to 1/4 inch when full grown.
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Figure 1. Shore Fly Larva
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Figure 2. Adult Shore Fly Life History
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Shore
flies have a similar lifecycle as fungus gnats. The adults
are stronger fliers. Both adults and larvae feed mainly on
algae on the surface of growing media, walls, floors, benches,
and pots. Adults rarely consume plant tissue, but may contribute
to the spread of soil pathogens.
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Damage
Damage from shore flies is usually related to their association
with the spread of soil pathogens.
Nonchemical
Control
Reduce the proportion of organic matter in your media, eliminate
wet areas around germination chambers and floors under benches,
reduce algal growth, practice good sanitation, inspect incoming
plant material. Monitor adults with yellow sticky cards.
Chemical
Control
Apply insecticidal soil drenches for control of larvae and foliar
sprays for control of adult flies. Microbial insecticides may also
provide effective control.
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