Phytomyza crassiseta
This record describes Phytomyza crassiseta (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance

The larva mines the leaves of Veronica and Hebe species such as Germander Speedwell , Wood Speedwell and Heath Speedwell, producing a narrow mine which follows the leaf margin, then turns and forms a secondary blotch. It can form blotch mines away from the leaf margin as well. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme website for further details of puparium, adult insect and host plants. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza crassiseta . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/phytomyza-crassiseta/ on 13/12/2023) Provide backlit photographs of the whole leaf-mine in the leaf, and the larva, and note the host plant. In areas where the larval foodplants 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. Warrington, B. P. 2022 . A provisional review of the status of Agromyzidae in Great Britain & Northern Ireland No additional images available for this species.
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
In areas where the larval foodplants occur.
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza crassiseta. 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 crassiseta (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza crassiseta
What is Phytomyza crassiseta?
Phytomyza crassiseta is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza crassiseta found?
Habitat: In areas where the larval foodplants occur.
When is Phytomyza crassiseta active?
Phytomyza crassiseta: seasonal activity - Click on the '.
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