Liriomyza taraxaci
This record describes Liriomyza taraxaci (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the fly Liriomyza taraxaci mine the leaves of Dandelion, Sow-thistle species and Autumn Hawkbit. They form small, irregular, elongated blotch mines with little frass inside. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Liriomyza taraxaci . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/liriomyza/liriomyza-taraxaci/ on 13/12/2023) Leafmine: please provide a back-lit image of the leafmine and state the host plant. 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. Leafmines may be found from May to November. In Britain this species is considered to be Nationally Scarce A. Warrington, B. P. 2022 . A provisional review of the status of Agromyzidae in Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Opomyzoidea
- Family
- Agromyzidae (Leaf Miner Flies)
- Subfamily
- Phytomyzinae
- Genus
- Liriomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where the larval hostplants occur.
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva leaves the mine to pupate.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain this species is considered to be Nationally Scarce A.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Liriomyza taraxaci. 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 taraxaci (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Liriomyza taraxaci
What is Liriomyza taraxaci?
Liriomyza taraxaci is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Liriomyza taraxaci found?
Habitat: Where the larval hostplants occur.
When is Liriomyza taraxaci active?
Liriomyza taraxaci: seasonal activity - Click on the '.
What is the life cycle of a Liriomyza taraxaci?
The larva leaves the mine to pupate.