Hessian fly

a small fly, Phytophaga destructor, the larvae of which feed on the stems of wheat and other grasses.

[1780-90, Amer.]

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▪ insect

 small fly in the gall midge family, Cecidomyiidae (order Diptera), that is very destructive to wheat crops. Though a native of Asia it was transported into Europe and later into North America, supposedly in the straw bedding of Hessian troops during the American Revolution (1775–83).

      In the spring the dark-coloured female lays about 250 to 300 reddish eggs on young wheat, barley, or rye plants. After several days the larvae, which are red at first but soon turn white, emerge and feed for about a month on plant sap. They then form capsules (puparia), in which they transform into adult flies that live about three days, just long enough to mate and lay eggs. This second generation passes the winter in puparia affixed to wheat stubble. In the spring they develop into adults, completing the cycle. When conditions are favourable, additional generations may occur between the spring and autumn ones.

      The best method for combatting the Hessian fly is to delay planting long enough in the spring that the plants do not grow until after the adult has emerged, laid its eggs, and died. Some varieties of wheat have proved to be resistant. Deep plowing of wheat stubble helps prevent emergence of the flies in the spring.

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