Delia antiqua

Definition

A cosmopolitan anthomyiid fly whose larvae are a major pest of Allium crops. The maggots tunnel into onion bulbs, garlic cloves, and related bulbous plants, causing rot and rendering produce unmarketable. Adults resemble small gray house flies and are often overlooked until larval damage appears.

Etymology

Latin antiqua, 'ancient' or 'old-fashioned', the specific epithet assigned by Meigen in 1826.

Example

In temperate vegetable-production systems, Delia antiqua is managed with crop rotation, floating row covers, and timed insecticide applications targeting egg-laying females.

Synonyms

• onion fly

Related Terms

• Delia radicum
• Anthomyiidae
• Diptera
• root maggot
• Integrated Pest Management
• Allium

Usage Notes

Often confused with Delia radicum (cabbage maggot) and Delia platura (seedcorn maggot), which attack different host plants. Correct identification requires examining adult genitalia or larval posterior spiracles. The common name 'onion fly' is sometimes applied loosely to other Delia species on Allium.