Phytomyza ranunculi
This record describes Phytomyza ranunculi (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A leaf mining fly whose larvae mine the leaves of various members of the Buttercup family. In this species the grains of frass are closely adjoining or grouped. Identification is more difficult when the mine is in the stem. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. Mines are similar to those of Phytomyza ranunculivora , but in that species the grains of frass are well spread out and separate. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza ranunculi . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/ph… on 13/12/2023) Leafmine: Please provide back-lit image to show the frass pattern 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. The leafmines of this species can be found in most months of the year. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
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:
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza ranunculi. 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 ranunculi (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza ranunculi
What is Phytomyza ranunculi?
Phytomyza ranunculi is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza ranunculi found?
Habitat: Host plants:
When is Phytomyza ranunculi active?
Phytomyza ranunculi: seasonal activity - Click on the '.