Phytomyza tussilaginis
This record describes Phytomyza tussilaginis (species). Recorded family: Agromyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larva of the fly Phytomyza tussilaginis mines the leaves of Butterbur, Colt’s-foot and Winter Heliotrope, producing a long narrow mine, widening at the end and often forming a secondary blotch. See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect. ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023). Phytomyza tussilaginis . 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 and state the host plant. Host plants: Butterbur , Colt’s-foot and Winter Heliotrope 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 may be found from May to December.
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
Host plants:
Seasonal Activity
Click on the '
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread, but sometimes local in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyza tussilaginis. 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 tussilaginis (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyza tussilaginis
What is Phytomyza tussilaginis?
Phytomyza tussilaginis is a species in the family Agromyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phytomyza tussilaginis?
and identifying characters.
Where is Phytomyza tussilaginis found?
Habitat: Host plants:
When is Phytomyza tussilaginis active?
Phytomyza tussilaginis: seasonal activity - Click on the '.