Phytomyza chaerophylli
This record describes Phytomyza chaerophylli (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the fly Phytomyza chaerophylli mine the leaves of umbelliferous plants such as Cow Parsley. The mines often follow the margin of the leaf at first, but then expands into a blotch that covers a large area of the leaf. The mine is pale and frass is usually seen in two untidy rows of isolated grains. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. Phytomyza angelicastri / Phytomyza conii / Phytomyza obscurella / Phytomyza thysselini ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza chaerophylli . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/ph… on 13/12/2023) Leafmine: Please provide a photograph of the leafmine and also 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. The leafmines may be found in any month of the year. Widespread and common throughout Britain.
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
Where the host plants occur.
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza chaerophylli. 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 chaerophylli (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza chaerophylli
What is Phytomyza chaerophylli?
Phytomyza chaerophylli is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza chaerophylli found?
Habitat: Where the host plants occur.
When is Phytomyza chaerophylli active?
Phytomyza chaerophylli: seasonal activity - Click on the '.