Phytomyza cirsii
This record describes Phytomyza cirsii (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larva of the Agromyzid fly Phytomyza cirsii mine the leaves of various thistles ( Cirsium ) including Creeping Thistle and Spear Thistle, creating a long whitish upper surface mine. The frass grains are small and usually occur close together. Pupation is outside the mine. There are other very similar mines on these host species and care is needed when identifying the causer. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. Liriomyza soror / Phytomyza albiceps / Phytomyza autumnalis , Phytomyza heterophylli / Phytomyza spinaciae / Sphaeroderma spp (Coleoptera) can form very similar mines but the larva can be distinguished by their distinct head capsule. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza cirsii . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/ph… on 13/12/2023) Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. If recording the leafmine please include a backlit photograph and state the host plant. Leafmine: Please provide a back-lit image of the leafmine and state the host plant. Often in waste areas and pasture where the host thistle species occur. 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.
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
Often in waste areas and pasture where the host thistle species 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 cirsii. 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 cirsii (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza cirsii
What is Phytomyza cirsii?
Phytomyza cirsii is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phytomyza cirsii?
and identifying characters you have observed. If recording the leafmine please include a backlit photograph and state the host plant.
Where is Phytomyza cirsii found?
Habitat: Often in waste areas and pasture where the host thistle species occur.
When is Phytomyza cirsii active?
Phytomyza cirsii: seasonal activity - Click on the '.