Ophiomyia congregata
This record describes Ophiomyia congregata (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Prenanthes is evidently not the only host, since it does not occur in the southwestern US .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Opomyzoidea
- Family
- Agromyzidae (Leaf Miner Flies)
- Subfamily
- Ophiomyiinae
- Genus
- Ophiomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
BC, AB, AZ, CO, MA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Prenanthes
Life History
Larvae mine leaf blades in the fall, overwintering in the crown and completing development as petiole miners in the spring .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ophiomyia congregata. 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 Ophiomyia congregata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophiomyia congregata
What is Ophiomyia congregata?
Ophiomyia congregata is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Ophiomyia congregata found?
Range: BC, AB, AZ, CO, MA
What does Ophiomyia congregata eat?
The diet of the Ophiomyia congregata includes Prenanthes.
What is the life cycle of a Ophiomyia congregata?
Larvae mine leaf blades in the fall, overwintering in the crown and completing development as petiole miners in the spring .