| The Rust Flies consist of 34 North American species, primarily in savanna habitats. Species of Loxocera have a long slender flagellomere exceeding the length of their face. Species of Psila are generally dark-bodied with pointy heads and abdomens. Larvae are root or stem borers or occur under bark. Certain conditions favor rust fly infestations. In commercial plantings many of these conditions can be avoided. Such conditions include:
A previous history of rust fly infestations.
Consecutive annual plantings of carrots.
Soils with high organic matter content.
Abundant carrot rust fly weed hosts in area.
Fields surrounded by brush and woods.
Fields adjacent to homes and other buildings.
Although avoiding such practices will help, no "magic" cures exist. By the very nature of home garden plantings and the way they are managed, most of these conditions would be impossible to avoid. Thus home gardens are normally vulnerable to rust fly build-up.
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