Chromatomyia centaurii
This record describes Chromatomyia centaurii (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larva of the Chromatomyia centaurii mine the upper surface leaves of Common Centaury. The mine starts as a gallery, but this is then commonly engulfed by the blotch that then follows. This mine is typically in a basal leaf, near to the ground, but may also move into the stem. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Chromatomyia centaurii . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/chromatomyia/chromatomyia-centaurii/ on 13/12/2023) There are no other mines on Common Centaury that could be confused with this one. Please provide image(s) to support your record and state the host plant. May be encountered where the host plant grows. 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. The leafmines are typically seen from April to September.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Agromyzidae
- Genus
- Chromatomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
May be encountered where the host plant grows.
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva pupates in the leafmine and the spiracles protrude through the upper epidermis.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Nationally Scarce A
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chromatomyia centaurii. 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.
Photos of Chromatomyia centaurii (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chromatomyia centaurii
What is Chromatomyia centaurii?
Chromatomyia centaurii is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chromatomyia centaurii found?
Habitat: May be encountered where the host plant grows.
When is Chromatomyia centaurii active?
Chromatomyia centaurii: seasonal activity - Click on the '.
What is the life cycle of a Chromatomyia centaurii?
The larva pupates in the leafmine and the spiracles protrude through the upper epidermis.