What is a "bean fly"?

A bean fly is a small insect belonging to the family Agromyzidae, known for its damage to bean plants. Adult bean flies lay their eggs on the leaves, stems, or pods of bean plants. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the plant tissue and feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and even plant death in severe infestations. The damage caused by bean flies can significantly reduce crop yield and quality. Bean fly infestations are commonly managed through cultural practices like crop rotation, removal of infested plants, and the use of insecticides when necessary.