Pegomya solennis
This record describes Pegomya solennis (species). Recorded family: causing large blotch mines.. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pegomya solennis is a small blackish fly whose larvae mine the leaves of various members of the Dock family causing large blotch mines. The adults must be bred to identify the species as several Pegomya species mine Dock.(reference British Leafminers website). http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Diptera/P.solennis.htm The mines can be seen when dock is in leaf. The emerging larvae initially work shoulder to shoulder in making a broad corridor. Later they split up, making a large blotch that often is enlarged even more by fusion with other mines. The mine is practically full depth. Frass blackish-green, often deliquescent. The larvae can leave a mine and restart elsewhere. Pupation outside the mine. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Pegomya solennis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegomya_solennis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- causing large blotch mines. (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
Around dock plants.
Seasonal Activity
The mines can be seen when dock is in leaf.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The emerging larvae initially work shoulder to shoulder in making a broad corridor. Later they split up, making a large blotch that often is enlarged even more by fusion with other mines. The mine is practically full depth. Frass blackish-green, often deliquescent. The larvae can leave a mine and restart elsewhere. Pupation outside the mine.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pegomya solennis. 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 solennis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pegomya solennis
What is Pegomya solennis?
Pegomya solennis is a species in the family causing large blotch mines., within the order Diptera.
Where is Pegomya solennis found?
Habitat: Around dock plants.
When is Pegomya solennis active?
Pegomya solennis: seasonal activity - The mines can be seen when dock is in leaf..
What is the life cycle of a Pegomya solennis?
The emerging larvae initially work shoulder to shoulder in making a broad corridor. Later they split up, making a large blotch that often is enlarged even more by fusion with other mines. The mine is practically full depth. Frass blackish-green, often deliquescent. The larvae can leave a mine and restart elsewhere. Pupation outside the mine.