Sugarbeet root maggot



Scientific Name

Tetanops myopaeformis




The Species Tetanops myopaeformis is commonly known as the sugarbeet root maggot and is native to North America. This species has caused considerable economic damage to sugar beets in Canada and the Western United States. It causes the greatest damage on young beets through the presence of the first generation larvae feeding on the tap and feeder roots.

Main description

The mature maggot is a whitish yellow and about 11 mm in length. Its head is at the small or thinner end of the maggot. The larger end has two brown plates which are pointed and curve away from the body, which represent the spiracles of the respiratory system of the insect.


Areas where close rotations of sugarbeets are used will more likely have serious problems because the maggots move from the previous year's sugar beet fields to the current fields. If sugar beet fields are concentrated in a limited area, more flies will be emerging, and therefore, have to move in shorter distances to new fields. Establishing a vigorous sugar beet plant as early as possible will also aid in reducing sugar beet root maggot damage. The larger, more vigorous beets can withstand more damage, and stand reduction will be less likely.


Region:  Other

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