DipteraAgromyzidae – Leaf Miner Flies2 data sources

Agromyza alnibetulae

This record describes Agromyza alnibetulae (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.

Identification and Appearance

Agromyza alnibetulae - Agromyza alnibetulae

The larva produce a leaf mine in the leaves of Birch. The mine is an unusually long, upper-surface corridor that widens only little and winds freely through the leaf. Frass in two neat rows. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme website for further details of the mine, larva and adult insect ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Agromyza alnibetulae . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/agromyzinae/agromyza/agromyza-alnibetulae-hendel-1931/ on 13/12/2023) The mines of Stigmella micro moths are similar, but only have a single frass line, or dispersed/coiled frass. Provide backlit photographs of the whole leaf-mine in the leaf, and the larva, and note the host plant. Click on the ' further details ' link in the 'Description' section above. Then click on the Phenology tab which will provide phenology details for both adult and larval stages. Warrington, B. P. 2022 . A provisional review of the status of Agromyzidae in Great Britain & Northern Ireland http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Diptera/A.alnibetulae.htm

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera (Flies)
Superfamily
Opomyzoidea
Family
Agromyzidae (Leaf Miner Flies)
Subfamily
Agromyzinae
Genus
Agromyza

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

On the leaves of Birch species

Seasonal Activity

Click on the '

Additional species information

Recorded status

Local

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Agromyza alnibetulae. 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.

Explore Diptera families and species →

Photos of Agromyza alnibetulae (10)

Agromyza alnibetulae - photo 1
Agromyza alnibetulae - photo 2
Agromyza alnibetulae - photo 3
Agromyza alnibetulae - photo 4
Agromyza alnibetulae - photo 5
Agromyza alnibetulae - photo 6
Agromyza alnibetulae - photo 7
Agromyza alnibetulae - photo 8

Frequently Asked Questions About Agromyza alnibetulae

What is Agromyza alnibetulae?

Agromyza alnibetulae is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.

Where is Agromyza alnibetulae found?

Habitat: On the leaves of Birch species

When is Agromyza alnibetulae active?

Agromyza alnibetulae: seasonal activity - Click on the '.