Chromatomyia scolopendri
This record describes Chromatomyia scolopendri (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the fly Chromatomyia scolopendri mine the leaves of the ferns: Hart's-tongue, Wall-rue and Polypody. They form long, narrow mines (up to 10cms) which often follow a vein. The mines are normally greenish and upper surface. Pupation is usually in the mine. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. Phytoliriomyza hilarella and Phytoliriomyza pteridii ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Chromatomyia scolopendri . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/chromatomyia… on 13/12/2023). Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Leafmine: Photographs required showing the leafmine and also state the host species. Host plants: Hart's-tongue , Wall-rue and Polypody 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.
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
Host plants:
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local in Britain. Most records seem to be from Wales and the south-west of England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chromatomyia scolopendri. 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 scolopendri (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chromatomyia scolopendri
What is Chromatomyia scolopendri?
Chromatomyia scolopendri is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chromatomyia scolopendri?
and identifying characters.
Where is Chromatomyia scolopendri found?
Habitat: Host plants:
When is Chromatomyia scolopendri active?
Chromatomyia scolopendri: seasonal activity - Click on the '.