Scaptomyza flava

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scaptomyza flava: /skæptoʊˈmaɪzə ˈflævə/

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Summary

Scaptomyza flava is a leaf mining fly regarded as a pest in various brassica crops, characterized by its distinctive reproductive behavior and adaptations for feeding on living plant tissue.

Physical Characteristics

Amber to dark brown in color, approximately 2.5 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Scaptomyza flava has longer wings relative to body length and is characterized by sclerotized ovipositors with tooth-like sensilla.

Habitat

Typically found on living plants in the Brassicales order, particularly brassicas.

Distribution

Widely distributed in the Holarctic; introduced in New Zealand.

Diet

Herbivorous leaf mining fly; larvae feed on mesophyll tissue of leaves, primarily within the Brassicaceae family.

Life Cycle

In captivity, the life cycle duration is approximately three weeks, with egg to adult growth taking around 20.52 days.

Reproduction

Females begin oviposition approximately 2.7 days after emergence, with peak oviposition occurring 5 to 10 days post-emergence. Average female produces about 130 eggs.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a herbivore and possible vector for bacteria that interfere with the host plant's defenses.

Economic Impact

Can reduce crop yields, particularly in brassica crops; however, specific control measures are not commonly implemented.

Evolution

Herbivory in Scaptomyza is thought to have evolved between 6 and 16 million years ago, with specific adaptations to feeding on plants.

Similar Taxa

• Drosophila suzukii
• Lordiphosa species
• S. nigrita
• S. montana

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for leaf mining agromyzids; significant biological differences exist between these groups.

Tags

• Holarctic
• Drosophilidae
• herbivorous
• pest
• leaf miner