Phytomyza plumiseta
This record describes Phytomyza plumiseta (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larval mine is a large white blotch, normally in the center of the leaf, with the frass in a conspicuous black patch near the center of the mine.
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
Geographic Range
Eastern US, Canada
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae mine leaves of Thalictrum spp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Frost, 1924
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza plumiseta. 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 plumiseta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza plumiseta
What is Phytomyza plumiseta?
Phytomyza plumiseta is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza plumiseta found?
Range: Eastern US, Canada
What does Phytomyza plumiseta eat?
The diet of the Phytomyza plumiseta includes Larvae mine leaves of Thalictrum spp..