Phytomyza petoei
This record describes Phytomyza petoei (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the fly Phytomyza petoei mine the leaves of Clinopodium, Melissa (Balm) and Mentha (Mints). The mine usually starts with a dark spot, then becomes an irregular linear mine, often then forming a secondary blotch. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. Chromatomyia horticola / Chromatomyia syngenesiae ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza petoei . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/ph… on 13/12/2023) Leafmine: Please provide a back-lit image of the leafmine to show the frass, and also add a note of the host plant. Gardens and allotments where the host mint species 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. Leafmines are most likely to be encountered between May and September.
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
Gardens and allotments where the host mint species occur.
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain this species is classed as Nationally Scarce A.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza petoei. 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 petoei (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza petoei
What is Phytomyza petoei?
Phytomyza petoei is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza petoei found?
Habitat: Gardens and allotments where the host mint species occur.
When is Phytomyza petoei active?
Phytomyza petoei: seasonal activity - Click on the '.