Phytomyza artemisivora
This record describes Phytomyza artemisivora (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the fly Phytomyza artemisivora mine the leaves of Mugwort and other plants in the genus Artemisia, and also Chrysanthemum species. They form mines with a long corridor, often partly following the leaf veins or margin. The frass consists of separate grains resembling a string of pearls. This species forms a black puparium, distinguishing it from Liriomyza spp .. which form similar mines but have an orangey-yellow puparium. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. Liriomyza artemisicola / Liriomyza demeijerei / Liriomyza ptarmicae / Liriomyza tanaceti / Liriomyza yasumatsui ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza artemisivora . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/ph… on 13/12/2023) Please provide back-lit image of leafmine and state host plant. It may only be possible to record this species if the puparium is present and is examined. 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 may be found from June to November. In Britain this species is classed as Nationally Scarce B.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Agromyzidae
- Genus
- Artemisia, and also
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere the host plants occur.
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain this species is classed as Nationally Scarce B.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza artemisivora. 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 artemisivora (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza artemisivora
What is Phytomyza artemisivora?
Phytomyza artemisivora is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza artemisivora found?
Habitat: Anywhere the host plants occur.
When is Phytomyza artemisivora active?
Phytomyza artemisivora: seasonal activity - Click on the '.