[allstars_princess]

Hello,

I have just come back from a rather successful day at the allotment....However, I have a bath that I am using to grow carrots in.  I am growing them from a seed tape and they are only just starting to come through.  I did not cover the bath (I know, I should have) and when I checked on the carrot seedlings there were about 10 flys in the bath that were reluctant to leave despite me waving my hand about.  My questions are:

1. Are these carrot fly?  I have looked online for pics but one fly looks like another to me. The reluctance to leave makes me think they are keen to stay for more than just my sieved soil!
2. If this is fly will the larvae do any damage as the carrots seeds are only just showing their first leaves? Or will they leave before any damage is done?
3. What is the best course of action now?  Shall I just empty this bath out and put it down to experience?

Any help is appreciated.
 

[Ivor Backache]

First thoughts are these will not be carrot fly. It is too early. Think of it logically; the fly lays eggs for the grubs to feed on the root- but there is no root. The carrot fly is black and quite big, say 1cm. If you google carrot fly you will find a site that forecasts the fly and most of the 2009 dates on the mainland are not for another two weeks.

More TLC and everything will be OK.

[allstars_princess]

Thanks.  I will leave it for now and make sure it is covered up! 

[Aunt Sally]

If the fly looked like this it's a carrot fly 

[Jay Dubya]

Hi, can it see in the dark!

[allstars_princess]

Excellent picture.  Thanks.  I do not think it was this type of fly, I distinctly remember it had black legs (they quivered for quite some time after I squashed one of them.) 

I have netted the bath now and have also found space for another large tub to start the next lot off in.    

[Salmo]

The yellow legs are the distinctive feature.

Someone may know differently but I think I am right in saying that the carrot fly needs to feed on nectare before they can lay eggs and they feed on the flowers of umbeliforous plants. As soon as you see the first cow parsley in flower they will be about.