Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae agg.
This record describes Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae agg. (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Chromatomyia syngenesiae and Chromatomyia horticola are leaf mining flies which form mines on a large number of plant species, these mines are indistinguishable from each other on certain hosts. They are treated as an aggregate, previously called Chromatomyia atricornis. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme website for further details of larva, adult insect and host plants for each species . Around thistles and other members of the Asteraceae family as well as mint and other plants. UK status not known but thought to be common and widespread.
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
Around thistles and other members of the Asteraceae family as well as mint and other plants.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is May to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
UK status not known but thought to be common and widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae 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.
Photos of Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae agg. (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae agg.
What is Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae agg.?
Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae agg. is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae agg. found?
Habitat: Around thistles and other members of the Asteraceae family as well as mint and other plants.
When is Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae agg. active?
Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae agg.: seasonal activity - Peak time is May to September..