Phytomyza plantaginis
This record describes Phytomyza plantaginis (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larva of the fly Phytomyza plantaginis mines the leaves of various Plantain species including Ribwort Plantain producing a long, linear, whitish narrow mine; normally in the leaf, but sometimes in the stem. The pupa is formed at the end of the mine and in the lower surface of the leaf. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. When the mine(s) radiate from the petiole into the leaf blade, these cannot be separated from the mines Phytomyza griffithsi . ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza plantaginis . 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 to show the frass. Please also add a note of the host plant. Host plants: Plantains, particularly Ribwort Plantain 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.
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 plants: Plantains, particularly
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread, but sometimes rather local in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza plantaginis. 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 plantaginis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza plantaginis
What is Phytomyza plantaginis?
Phytomyza plantaginis is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phytomyza plantaginis?
and identifying characters.
Where is Phytomyza plantaginis found?
Habitat: Host plants: Plantains, particularly
When is Phytomyza plantaginis active?
Phytomyza plantaginis: seasonal activity - Click on the '.