Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Musca radicum Linnaeus, 1758
Delia brassicae (or Hylemya brassicae) was the most common name in literature prior to 1981.
Explanation of Names
The original combination Musca radicum means "root fly."
Identification
Males have a dense patch of long hairs under the basal half of the hind femur.
Range
Northern USA and Southern Canada. Probably introduced from Europe in mid-19th Century. In North America, "confined to gardens and cultivated land." (Griffiths, 1991) Larvae do not tolerate extended periods of high temperature, and the fly does not breed in southern USA.
Remarks
A pest of Cruciferae: cabbage, mustard, and relatives.
Contributed by
John F. Carr on 9 February, 2014 - 6:54am
Last updated 8 November, 2014 - 7:39pm