Phytomyza leucanthemi
This record describes Phytomyza leucanthemi (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the fly Phytomyza leucanthemi mine the leaves of Chrysanthemum and Leucanthemum (Oxeye Daisy group) creating an irregular, linear mine with frass in widely spaced grains. Mostly found on the lower basal leaves. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. The leafmines of Chromatomyia horticola, Chromatomyia syngenesiae and Phytomyza paraciliata may be very similar to those of Phytomyza leucanthemi so great care is needed with identification. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza leucanthemi . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/ph… on 13/12/2023) Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Leafmine: Please provide a back-lit image of the leafmine showing the frass and also add a note of 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 of this species may be found in most months of the year.
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
Where the host plant species occur.
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Pupation takes place outside of the mine.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain this species is classed as Nationally Scarce B.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza leucanthemi. 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 leucanthemi (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza leucanthemi
What is Phytomyza leucanthemi?
Phytomyza leucanthemi is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phytomyza leucanthemi?
and identifying characters.
Where is Phytomyza leucanthemi found?
Habitat: Where the host plant species occur.
When is Phytomyza leucanthemi active?
Phytomyza leucanthemi: seasonal activity - Click on the '.
What is the life cycle of a Phytomyza leucanthemi?
Pupation takes place outside of the mine.