DipteraAgromyzidae – Leaf Miner Flies2 data sources

Phytomyza crassiseta

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

Identification and Appearance

Phytomyza crassiseta - Phytomyza crassiseta

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.

Explore Diptera families and species →

Photos of Phytomyza crassiseta (3)

Phytomyza crassiseta - photo 1
Phytomyza crassiseta - photo 2
Phytomyza crassiseta - photo 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 '.