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Identification
Furry fly resembling a small bumblebee; single fat cream-white larva found hollowing out daffodil and narcissus bulbs.
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Life Cycle
Single generation per year; adults fly in late spring, lay eggs at the neck of bulbs, larvae feed through summer and overwinter in the bulb.
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Damage Signs
Larva tunnels into the bulb and consumes the core, leaving it soft, hollow, and rotten so it fails to produce healthy growth.
healing
Treatment
Lift and destroy soft, hollow bulbs. There is no rescue treatment once a larva is established inside.
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Prevention
Earth up soil around bulb necks after foliage dies back to block egg-laying access, and lift and inspect bulbs when dividing.