Sciara Pupa
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Earthworms (Sciaridae)
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Sciarid midges are small, black flying insects measuring 2 to 5 mm. They often appear in houseplants or potted crops when the potting soil is too moist. These pests lay their eggs in the substrate, and the larvae feed on decomposing organic matter and, in some cases, plant roots, weakening the plants.
Contributing factors
- Excess humidity in substrate or potting soil.
- Use of soils rich in decomposing organic matter.
- Lack of drainage or poor drainage of pots.
- Warm, humid environment, ideal for their proliferation.
How it works
1. Egg-laying:
Females lay their eggs in moist soil.
Females lay their eggs in moist soil.
2. Larval development:
The larvae, translucent with a black head, hatch and start feeding. They mainly consume organic matter, but sometimes attack young roots.
The larvae, translucent with a black head, hatch and start feeding. They mainly consume organic matter, but sometimes attack young roots.
3. Transformation into adult midges:
After pupation, the midges emerge to complete their life cycle.
After pupation, the midges emerge to complete their life cycle.
Symptoms
- Presence of small black midges flying around plants.
- Slow plant growth due to root damage.
- Constantly damp substrate, sometimes with a compacted or poorly drained appearance.
- Appearance of wilted or weakened young plants in severe cases.
Treatment
Preventive measures
- Controlled watering: Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings.
- Optimum drainage: Make sure pots have drainage holes.
- Suitable potting soil: Use a well-aerated substrate that is low in decomposing organic matter.
Natural treatments
- Sand or gravel: Apply a layer of sand or gravel on top of the potting soil to prevent midges from laying their eggs.
- Yellow sticky traps: Place sticky traps to capture flying adults.
- Nematodes: Introduce beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) into the potting mix to parasitize larvae.
