Phytomyza bipunctata
This record describes Phytomyza bipunctata (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the fly Phytomyza bipunctata mine the leaves of Echinops species (Globe Thistles). The long, white mines have frass in long strips on alternate sides of the gallery. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza bipunctata . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/phytomyza-bipunctata/ 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 may be found from June to December. In Britain this species is classed as Nationally Scarce A. 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
- Family
- Agromyzidae
- Genus
- Phytomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Host plants:
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Pupation usually outside of the mine.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain this species is classed as Nationally Scarce A.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza bipunctata. 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 bipunctata (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza bipunctata
What is Phytomyza bipunctata?
Phytomyza bipunctata is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza bipunctata found?
Habitat: Host plants:
When is Phytomyza bipunctata active?
Phytomyza bipunctata: seasonal activity - Click on the '.
What is the life cycle of a Phytomyza bipunctata?
Pupation usually outside of the mine.