Poplar Twiggall Fly
Euhexomyza schineri
This record describes Euhexomyza schineri (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Opomyzoidea
- Family
- Agromyzidae (Leaf Miner Flies)
- Subfamily
- Ophiomyiinae
- Genus
- Euhexomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
It’s a native fly that occurs throughout our area wherever aspen, poplar and cottonwood are found.
Seasonal Activity
The adult fly emerges in the spring.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The female deposits eggs on developing aspen shoots, usually near a bud. The feeding of the maggot causes the twig to form a gall that’s noticeable by fall. The larvae feed all summer and overwinter as a maggot inside the gall and pupate either late winter or early spring.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Euhexomyza schineri. 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 Poplar Twiggall Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by tom murray
Frequently Asked Questions About Poplar Twiggall Fly
How big is Poplar Twiggall Fly?
2-2.5mm
Where is Poplar Twiggall Fly found?
Range: It’s a native fly that occurs throughout our area wherever aspen, poplar and cottonwood are found.
When is Poplar Twiggall Fly active?
Poplar Twiggall Fly: seasonal activity - The adult fly emerges in the spring..
What is the life cycle of a Poplar Twiggall Fly?
The female deposits eggs on developing aspen shoots, usually near a bud. The feeding of the maggot causes the twig to form a gall that’s noticeable by fall. The larvae feed all summer and overwinter as a maggot inside the gall and pupate either late winter or early spring.