Phytomyza flavicornis
This record describes Phytomyza flavicornis (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other Phytomyza by the combination of yellow antennae, yellow behind eyes, thorax black on top (not merely gray) and yellow on sides, scutellum black, and crossvein dm-cu absent. Stem miner in Urtica , larva feeding in pith of stem and pupating internally; puparium slender, yellowish. Assigned to the Phytomyza rufipes species group by Winkler et al.. The group has seven species, including five in North America (one a recent introduction).
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
Geographic Range
Holarctic
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Yellow horned" after the yellow antennae.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza flavicornis. 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 flavicornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza flavicornis
What is Phytomyza flavicornis?
Phytomyza flavicornis is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Phytomyza flavicornis?
Distinguished from other Phytomyza by the combination of yellow antennae, yellow behind eyes, thorax black on top (not merely gray) and yellow on sides, scutellum black, and crossvein dm-cu absent.
Where is Phytomyza flavicornis found?
Range: Holarctic