Scaptomyza flava
This record describes Scaptomyza flava (species). Recorded family: Drosophilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The adult is a browish fly with a body length of about 2.5 mm. Scaptomyza flava larvae cause white 'corridor-blotch' mines when feeding between the upper and lower epidermes of the leaves of cruciferous plants of the Brassicaceae family. Around the larval food plants such as fields of oilseed rape, cauliflower and cabbage. In Britain mines are typically seen on the plant leaves in late spring and autumn. Females are polygamous and mating begins soon after emergence. Female flies start puncturing leaves with their ovipositor about 4 hours after emerging and produce peak numbers of punctures within the first 12 hours of their adult lives and at this stage egg laying begins. This species has recently become a serious pest of brassica crops. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain, and now becoming increasingly common.
Wikipedia reference for Scaptomyza flava: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaptomyza_flava.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Drosophilidae (Vinegar Flies)
- Subfamily
- Drosophilinae
- Genus
- Scaptomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around the larval food plants such as fields of oilseed rape, cauliflower and cabbage.
Seasonal Activity
In Britain mines are typically seen on the plant leaves in late spring and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Females are polygamous and mating begins soon after emergence. Female flies start puncturing leaves with their ovipositor about 4 hours after emerging and produce peak numbers of punctures within the first 12 hours of their adult lives and at this stage egg laying begins. This species has recently become a serious pest of brassica crops.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain, and now becoming increasingly common.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scaptomyza flava. 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 Scaptomyza flava (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaptomyza flava
What is Scaptomyza flava?
Scaptomyza flava is a species in the family Drosophilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Scaptomyza flava?
of about 2.5 mm. Scaptomyza flava larvae cause white 'corridor-blotch' mines when feeding between the upper and lower epidermes of the leaves of cruciferous plants of the Brassicaceae family.
Where is Scaptomyza flava found?
Habitat: Around the larval food plants such as fields of oilseed rape, cauliflower and cabbage.
When is Scaptomyza flava active?
Scaptomyza flava: seasonal activity - In Britain mines are typically seen on the plant leaves in late spring and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Scaptomyza flava?
Females are polygamous and mating begins soon after emergence. Female flies start puncturing leaves with their ovipositor about 4 hours after emerging and produce peak numbers of punctures within the first 12 hours of their adult lives and at this stage egg laying begins. This species has recently become a serious pest of brassica crops.