Adult, notice the eyes on stalks.
Scientific name: Diopsis sp.
Common name: Stalk-Eyed Fly
Order: Diptera
Family: Diopsidae
HOSTS:
Main hosts: Sorghum
Alternative hosts: Rice, Millet, Sugarcane
IMPORTANCE IN ETHIOPIA:
Minor pest of: Sorghum
DAMAGE
Attack by this species results in “dead hearts”. The damage is similar to that caused by Atherigona soccata. Diopsis will appear later in the season. When the dry season starts, the population of Diopsis decreases rapidly.
This insect has also been recorded on sorghum in Ethiopia but its pest status is uncertain.
INSECT BIOLOGY & RECOGNITION:
Larva: The maggots feed inside the stems or tillers of seedlings.
Adult: Adult flies of the Diopsis spp. are easily recognized as they have eyes on stalks.
CONTROL METHODS:
Cultural control:
Early planting.
Use resistant varieties when available.