Atherigona reversura

Description

Atherigona reversura, the bermudagrass stem maggot, is a muscid shoot-fly. The genus comprises more than 220 species, and some of them are very damaging pests in agriculture. The bermudagrass stem maggot takes its name from its host preference for bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). This small fly has an angular head, transparent wings, and the adult fly is colored between gray and yellow. Males have a rounded abdomen and are smaller than females. The abdomen in the females is larger and pointed. The larvae is cylindrical, white and has mouthhooks that are used to masticate the tender parts of the new shoots. Atherigona reversura is native to Central and Southeast Asia. This fly was accidentally introduced into Hawaii, and causes great damage in turfgrass. In 2009 it was reported in California and in 2010 was reported in Georgia and southern Mexico,.Without clear knowledge of its introduction, the bermudagrass stem maggot has rapidly spread over the Southeastern of United States causing significant yield loss in grazing and hay production systems.