Agromyza abiens/myosotidis/lithospermi agg.
This record describes Agromyza abiens/myosotidis/lithospermi agg. (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of Agromyza abiens , Agromyza myosotidis and Agromyza lithospermi produce identical mines on the leaves of several larval food plants in the Boraginaeceae family, such as Borage, Comfrey and Green Alkanet. Many other host plants are known, including non-native plants cultivated in gardens; for a full list and further detailed information please refer to the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme website The initial narrow gallery contains frass in a double line, which it then expands to form a blotch mine. Several larvae may occupy a leaf to form a large blotch. Because the mines on these plants cannot be reliably separated to species level we have created this page which treats them as an aggregate. To identify them to species level, it is usually necessary to rear the adult and have your identification confirmed by an expert; there is further information on the website cited above. Note: the NBN does not currently have an entry for this aggregate so NBN data cannot be displayed on the distribution maps below. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme website for further details of larva, adult insect and host plants for each species . Agromyza ferruginosa , Agromyza lithospermi , Agromyza myosotidis , Agromyza pseudorufipes , Phytomyza medicaginis . Leafmine: Provide a backlit photograph of the whole leaf-mine and leaf, and note the host plant Refer to individual species pages on the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme website for details of phenology
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Agromyzidae
- Genus
- Agromyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where the larval foodplants occur.
Seasonal Activity
Refer to individual species pages on the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme website for details of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common as an aggregate.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Agromyza abiens/myosotidis/lithospermi agg.. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agromyza abiens/myosotidis/lithospermi agg.
What is Agromyza abiens/myosotidis/lithospermi agg.?
Agromyza abiens/myosotidis/lithospermi agg. is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Agromyza abiens/myosotidis/lithospermi agg. found?
Habitat: Where the larval foodplants occur.
When is Agromyza abiens/myosotidis/lithospermi agg. active?
Agromyza abiens/myosotidis/lithospermi agg.: seasonal activity - Refer to individual species pages on the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme website for details of.