Phytoliriomyza clara
This record describes Phytoliriomyza clara (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Phytoliriomyza pulchella Spencer, described from adults caught in New York, probably has the same host plant, having genitalia intermediate between those of P. clara and the European P. pteridii Spencer, another bracken leafminer .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Opomyzoidea
- Family
- Agromyzidae (Leaf Miner Flies)
- Subfamily
- Phytomyzinae
- Genus
- Phytoliriomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Canada: ON, QC; USA: WA, CA, AZ, NM, MI, MD, TN, FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae mine leaves of bracken fern ( Pteridium aquilinum ) .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytoliriomyza clara. 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 Phytoliriomyza clara (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytoliriomyza clara
What is Phytoliriomyza clara?
Phytoliriomyza clara is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytoliriomyza clara found?
Range: Canada: ON, QC; USA: WA, CA, AZ, NM, MI, MD, TN, FL
What does Phytoliriomyza clara eat?
The diet of the Phytoliriomyza clara includes Larvae mine leaves of bracken fern ( Pteridium aquilinum ) ..