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Hessian fly

Mayetiola destructor

Classification

Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera

The Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor), or barley midge, is a species of fly that is a significant pest of cereal crops, including wheat, barley and rye. Though a native of Asia, upon its discovery it was believed to have been transported into North America in the straw bedding of Hessian troops during the American Revolution (1775–1783), thus the origin of its common name. However, the report of an inquiry made in 1788 by Sir Joseph Banks states that "no such insect could be found to exist in Germany or any other part of Europe".

Distribution

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Countries in the Picchu catalog
United Kingdom · 19