Holly Leaf Miner
Phytomyza ilicis
This record describes Phytomyza ilicis (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the Agromyzid fly Phytomyza ilicis mine the leaves of Holly. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza ilicis . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/ph… on 13/12/2023) Leafmine: please include a photograph and 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 can be found in all months of the year. Phytomyza ilicis lays its eggs in May or June, at the base of the petiole of a young leaf (on the underside). Larva initially feeds in mid-rib, later producing characteristic irregular upper surface linear-blotch. Pupation is internal. Warrington, B. P. 2022 . A provisional review of the status of Agromyzidae in Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Wikipedia reference for Phytomyza ilicis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly_leaf_miner.
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
Host plant:
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Phytomyza ilicis
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza ilicis. 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 Holly Leaf Miner (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Holly Leaf Miner
What is Holly Leaf Miner?
Holly Leaf Miner (Phytomyza ilicis) is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Holly Leaf Miner found?
Habitat: Host plant:
When is Holly Leaf Miner active?
Holly Leaf Miner: seasonal activity - Click on the '.
What is the life cycle of a Holly Leaf Miner?
Phytomyza ilicis