Dull gray in color, Hydrellia sp. is widespread in the Philippines. The maggots feed on the unopened whorl of the leaf by remaining in the center of the whorl and nibbling the innermost margin of the leaf. The symptoms manifest as small chewed discolored areas on the innermost margin of the central whorl. Severe infestation stunts the plant and reduces tillers in a given hill. The infestation and damage are limited to vegetative stages of the crop.