The adult fly is about 1.5 millimeters long, dark gray in color with a shiny metallic gold or silver face.

In about three days the tiny eggs hatch, releasing the small white or yellow-green larvae.

The photosynthetic ability of the leaf is reduced with even a small amount of larva damage, and the feeding injury becomes susceptible to opportunistic fungal infection.

As the infestation progresses, holes emerge in the hydrilla mat as plants begin to die and sink.

This fly is native to India and Pakistan, and it is currently established in hydrilla-prone areas in the southeastern United States where it was successfully introduced.