Pegomya flavifrons
This record describes Pegomya flavifrons (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the fly Pegomya flavifrons mine the leaves of various plants such as Chickweeds, Stichworts, Campions and Mouse-ears. The mine takes the form of a gallery then a blotch, larger and deeper than the mine of Amauromyza flavifrons. In large leaves the mine is upper surface and all in one piece. In small leaves the whole leaf may be covered by a full depth mine with the larva mining several leaves. The mines may be found in late spring and late summer.
Wikipedia reference for Pegomya flavifrons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegomya_flavifrons.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Pegomyinae
- Genus
- Pegomya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In areas where the host plants occur.
Seasonal Activity
The mines may be found in late spring and late summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but rather local.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pegomya flavifrons. 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 Pegomya flavifrons (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pegomya flavifrons
What is Pegomya flavifrons?
Pegomya flavifrons is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Pegomya flavifrons found?
Habitat: In areas where the host plants occur.
When is Pegomya flavifrons active?
Pegomya flavifrons: seasonal activity - The mines may be found in late spring and late summer..