Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer
Agromyza frontella
This record describes Agromyza frontella (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larva forms a characteristic linear-blotch mine in Medicago , and less frequently in Melilotus and Trifolium . Introduced species, relatively recently. The parasite Dacnusa dryas has been introduced in NE US as a biocontrol
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
Geographic Range
MA, NJ, NY; widespread in Europe
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Females lay 1-3 eggs/leaf. Larvae feed inside mines. Mature larvae drop to the ground to pupate
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Agromyza frontella. 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 Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer
What is Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer?
Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer (Agromyza frontella) is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer found?
Range: MA, NJ, NY; widespread in Europe
What is the life cycle of a Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer?
Females lay 1-3 eggs/leaf. Larvae feed inside mines. Mature larvae drop to the ground to pupate