Phytomyza heracleana
This record describes Phytomyza heracleana (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larva of the Agromyzid fly Phytomyza heracleana mines the leaves of Hogweed and form a blotch mine between two veins. The mine often has a sieve-like appearance (where the larva has fed through the upper parenchyma). See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza heracleana . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/phytomyza-heracleana/ on 13/12/2023) Leafmine: Please include a back-lit image showing frass patterns 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. Leafmines from May to September. Adult: May – August. 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
- Family
- Agromyzidae
- Genus
- Phytomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hostplant:
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Pupation outside the mine.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite widespread but local in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza heracleana. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza heracleana
What is Phytomyza heracleana?
Phytomyza heracleana is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza heracleana found?
Habitat: Hostplant:
When is Phytomyza heracleana active?
Phytomyza heracleana: seasonal activity - Click on the '.
What is the life cycle of a Phytomyza heracleana?
Pupation outside the mine.