It is found in several countries around the globe as an invasive species, but is native to the Caribbean and the Southeastern United States.

[5] Originally, L. trifolii was solely found in Caribbean countries and the southeastern United States (specifically concentrated in southern Florida).

[5] However, export of produce and other vegetative goods from these areas has led to the dispersion of L. trifolii to several countries in Asia along the Pacific Ocean, as well as Europe, California, and certain parts of Canada.

However, they frequently infest greenhouses and can now be found as an invasive species in a wider variety of climates.

[5][7] Compared to other flies, L. trifolii have a relatively brief life cycle, ranging from 21 to 28 days in habitats they are native to.

[5] Typically, at the end of the larval phase, L. trifolii drop to the soil to pupate after exiting the leaf mines they have created.

Male adults typically only live 2 to 3 days because they are unable to puncture plants and thus have difficulty feeding.

Researchers have not reported the presence of any sex pheromones, but L. trifolii may attract mates and signal readiness through a series of short-distance vocalization by the males.

Both the rate of oviposition and the total fecundity decrease when located on less ideal host plants, such as tomatoes.

Regardless of host plant, the female's first action is bending of the abdomen to position her ovipositor at the correct angle to the leaf.

Oviposition rate is significantly increased for female L. trifolii located on ideal host plants such as celery.

When the wasps hatch, they typically devour the flies' nearby eggs, as is the defining characteristic of parasitoids.

In the absence of insecticides, these parasitoids play a major role in keeping the L. trifolii population under control.

They often infest greenhouses and inhabit shipping containers, making them an invasive species in several countries around the globe.

Because of this, they are a quarantine species in several countries, meaning their host plants are isolated for testing when L. trifolii are found on them.

[5] L. trifolii can be destructive to crops in many ways, including spreading diseases, destroying seedlings, and altering leaf production, which damages the fruits.

This has been a major issue combatted by attempts from the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) to mitigate the infestation and spread of these pests.