Daylily Leafminer
Ophiomyia kwansonis
This record describes Ophiomyia kwansonis (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Non native, from Japan. First detected in Florida on 17 March 2011 The first possible evidence of this insect in the U.S. is an image posted at Bugguide.net , taken 4 July 2006 in Kennebunk, Maine by V.J. Hickey. It was described as a 3 mm fly, always seen on daylily flowers.
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
mostly: TX-FL-NY - FDA
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Sept in FL - FDA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: HOST PLANTS: Daylilies, genus Hemerocallis comprises approximately 22 species (Liliaceae). Over 60,000 registered varieties of daylily have been developed. - FDA
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ophiomyia kwansonis. 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 Daylily Leafminer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Keith Bayless; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Daylily Leafminer
What is Daylily Leafminer?
Daylily Leafminer (Ophiomyia kwansonis) is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Daylily Leafminer?
adult: 3 mm - FDA larvae up to 5mm
Where is Daylily Leafminer found?
Range: mostly: TX-FL-NY - FDA
What does Daylily Leafminer eat?
The diet of the Daylily Leafminer includes HOST PLANTS: Daylilies, genus Hemerocallis comprises approximately 22 species (Liliaceae). Over 60,000 registered varieties of daylily have been developed. - FDA.
When is Daylily Leafminer active?
Daylily Leafminer: seasonal activity - Mar-Sept in FL - FDA.