The Asparagus Miner (Melan Agromyza Simplex H. Loew) (Agromyzidae; Diptera)

Summary 1 The history and identification of the asparagus miner. Melanagromyza simplex H. Loew, are outlined. The fly was described in 1869, and associated with asparagus in the United States of America in 1896 and 1897. In Europe it was recognized about the same date. 2 The salient points of the morphology of all stages are briefly described. 3 Its geographical range is the United States of America and Europe. In Europe it has been reported from Hungary, France, Germany and England. In U.S.A. the most numerous records are from the eastern states but it has also been reported from Iowa and California. 4 There are two generations a year at Harpenden, England. The flies of the first flight are on the wing from early June to the end of July, those of the second from the beginning of August until about the second week in September. Details of the life history are given. 5 The damage caused by the larvae mining the stems of asparagus is not considered important in cutting beds, although seedling beds might suffer more. When, however, the mining is followed by an attack by the larvae of Lonchaea flavidipennis Zett. the damage is more important. 6 An attempt to assess the local abundance of the flies by direct field observation is described. 7 Three parasites?the braconid, Dacnusa ?bathyzona Marsh.; a pteromalid, Sphegigaster sp.; and a eulophid, Pleurotropis epigonus Walk.?have been identified by Dr Ferriere and in addition an unidentified parasite has been reared. Brief observational notes have been given concerning these parasites. It is noted that Dacnusa rondanii Giard has previously been recorded as a parasite. 8 Control measures recommended by other workers have been mentioned.