Liriomyza pisivora
This record describes Liriomyza pisivora (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance

The larvae of the fly Liriomyza pisivora mine the leaves species in the pea family, including Garden Pea, Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea and Tufted Vetch. They create a long linear mine which starts on the lower surface of the leaf but then penetrates to the upper surface, giving the leaf looking mottled. Several larvae can be found on affected leaves. The frass appears in thin threads, alternating along the gallery. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. Agromyza lathyri / Agromyza varicornis / Liriomyza strigata ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Liriomyza pisivora . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/liriomyza/liriomyza-pisivora/ on 13/12/2023) Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. Leafmine: Please provide a back-lit image of the leafmine and state the host plant. Leafmines may be found where the host species occur – often in gardens. 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
- Liriomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Leafmines may be found where the host species occur – often in gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain this species is classed as Nationally Scarce A.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Liriomyza pisivora. 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 Liriomyza pisivora (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Liriomyza pisivora
What is Liriomyza pisivora?
Liriomyza pisivora is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Liriomyza pisivora found?
Habitat: Leafmines may be found where the host species occur – often in gardens.
When is Liriomyza pisivora active?
Liriomyza pisivora: seasonal activity - Click on the '.
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