Phytomyza ranunculivora
This record describes Phytomyza ranunculivora (species). Recorded family: (. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A leaf mining fly whose larvae mine the leaves of various members of the Buttercup family of plants. In this species the mine is linear, whitish, with frass in widely spaced grains. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. Phytomyza ranunculi mines are similar but the frass grains are more closely grouped. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza ranunculivora . Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/ph… on 13/12/2023) Leafmine: Please provide a back-lit image to show the frass patterns. Please 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 between May and November. In Britain this species is widespread, but sometimes rather local.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Host plants:
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain this species is widespread, but sometimes rather local.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza ranunculivora. 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 ranunculivora (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza ranunculivora
What is Phytomyza ranunculivora?
Phytomyza ranunculivora is a species in the family (, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phytomyza ranunculivora found?
Habitat: Host plants:
When is Phytomyza ranunculivora active?
Phytomyza ranunculivora: seasonal activity - Click on the '.