What's this worm on my Chillis?

[Garlic_Guy]

In the past, I've often had chillis that contained a small brown worm inside them when opened.

Today I found these on three of the chilli flowers:




Anyone know what it is and how they can be combat? I've had to leave the plants outside a few times as they've got infested with aphids. Guess the eggs for these were laid at this point.

[Geoff]

No idea but I bet the Tobasco spray doesn't shift them.

[Beccy]

I wouldn't like to swear to it, but it looks a bit like a hoverfly larva from the second pic. if it is (and I admit to having imbibed a bottle or two of decent beer, so who knows what I'm thinking ) they eat greenfly. How many little leg bits does it have?

[Johnboy]

Hi Colin,
It is A Maggot not a Worm but I'm afraid that that is as close as I can get.

[Deb P]

Your chillis are flowering already!! Mine are only about 8" high....

[Piglet]

Blimey, our already have chillies on. We did start them early though.

[Tigger]

Piglet - the chillis you gave me have got fruit on them too, as have the tomatoes.

[Chez]

Mine are only about 1" high . The variety is Numex Twilight. I received the 10 seeds free as part of the GW Chilli Trial. They took ages to germinate (only 50% did) and are growing slowly too. Hmmm... anything I should know?

[Geoff]

I think that's a good call from Beccy - never seen one but here's another scan from the Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe.

[Garlic_Guy]

Well I'd have agreed with Johnboy.

However your picture of a Hoverfly larvae looks quite similar. Also, by chilli flowers are full of aphids, so maybe he's doing me a favour.

[Johnboy]

Hi Colin,
I must agree with you but remember Flies produce Maggots so I guess we share the honours!
But the real honours go to Beccy. Well done!! A good piece of identification and I am full of admiration!!

[Beccy]

Yes, well OK I know because I spent several weeks destroying hoverfly larvae early in my gardening 'career', only to discover they were goodies...