Phytomyza aconiti
This record describes Phytomyza aconiti (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the fly Phytomyza aconiti mine the leaves of Aconitum (Monkshood) and Delphinium species. The mine is a large blotch on the upper leaf surface, usually near to the leaf tip. Several larvae often feed communally within the mine. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza aconiti . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/phytomyza-aconiti/ on 13/12/2023) Leafmine: please provide a back-lit image of the leafmine and state the host plant. Click on the ' further details ' link in the 'Description' section above. Then click on the Phenology tab which will provide phenology details for both adult and larval stages. Leafmines can be found mostly between June and August. Widespread but uncommon in Britain where it is classed as pRDB 2. Warrington, B. P. 2022 . A provisional review of the status of Agromyzidae in Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Opomyzoidea
- Family
- Agromyzidae (Leaf Miner Flies)
- Subfamily
- Phytomyzinae
- Genus
- Phytomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wherever the host plants occur.
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but uncommon in Britain where it is classed as pRDB 2.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza aconiti. 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 Phytomyza aconiti (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza aconiti
What is Phytomyza aconiti?
Phytomyza aconiti is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza aconiti found?
Habitat: Wherever the host plants occur.
When is Phytomyza aconiti active?
Phytomyza aconiti: seasonal activity - Click on the '.