EGGS Eggs are deposited close to seeds in soil where there is abundant organic matter, seeds, or plant seedlings. Recently worked soil tends to be favored for egg deposition. Adult females lay an average of 100 eggs over a 3-4 week period. Eggs are elongate, pearly white, with a reticulate pattern. Under normal field conditions, eggs hatch in 2-4 days.
Seedcorn maggots have three larval stages.
Larval development is completed in 12-16 days. They are approximately three times as long as wide. The pupal stage lasts from 7-20 days, depending on temperature. Adults may live for 4-10 weeks. Although occasionally found alone, they usually occur in masses of up to 100 larvae.