Pest insects in carrot and Apiaceous crops: celery fly

Celery fly is a pest that can be found in celery, parsley and parsnip. Learn about the life cycle of this pest insect and what celery fly damage looks like in crops. 

The first generation of adults emerges from overwintering pupae in late April to June, depending on weather conditions. After mating, the females lay eggs, which hatch in 1–2 weeks. The larval stage lasts a further 2–3 weeks before pupae are formed. The second generation of adults emerges from July onwards, and there may be a third generation in the autumn. 

The celery fly infests celery, parsley and parsnip crops. During egg laying, female flies puncture the foliage, causing small brown marks. However, the larvae are at the most damaging stage as they burrow in the leaves, causing large, pale blotches which soon dry up and become brown and papery. Very severe attacks reduce plant vigour. 

No methods of monitoring and forecasting for celery fly have been developed yet. However, good crop hygiene can reduce the fly population. Infested plant material should be destroyed to kill the larvae and pupae. 

If you would like to order a hard copy of the Carrot & Parsnip Crop Walkers' Guide, please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.

Content for this web page was originally authored by Rosemary Collier, University of Warwick.