Agromyza parvicornis
Loew, 1869
Corn Blotch Leafminer
A leaf-mining fly in the Agromyzidae, primarily associated with corn (Zea mays) . The creates distinctive blotch-shaped mines in plant foliage. It is considered a minor and sporadic agricultural pest with limited economic impact. Documented from North American corn-growing regions and more recently recorded in Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agromyza parvicornis: /ˌæɡrəˈmaɪzə pɑːrˌvɪˈkɔːrnɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Agromyza by association with corn and the characteristic blotch-shaped leaf mines produced by larvae. Specific morphological diagnostic features for field identification are not documented in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Agricultural environments, specifically fields cultivated with corn (Zea mays).
Distribution
North America including Ontario and Québec (Canada), corn-growing regions of the United States, and Mexico (where it has been newly recorded in association with maize crops).
Diet
Larvae feed internally on corn leaf tissue, creating blotch-shaped mines.
Host Associations
- Zea mays - primary corn; main cultivated plant
- Poaceae - occasional other grass ; occasionally fed upon
Behavior
Larvae mine leaves, producing blotch-shaped mines rather than linear serpentine mines typical of some related leaf-miner .
Ecological Role
Minor agricultural pest; feeding damage is typically sporadic and of limited economic significance.
Human Relevance
Agricultural pest of corn with minor economic impact; management information has been published for affected regions.
Similar Taxa
- Liriomyza marginalisAlso associated with maize crops in Mexico; distinguished by -level classification and potentially different mine .
- Other AgromyzidaeMany Agromyzidae are leaf miners; plant specificity to corn is a key distinguishing feature for A. parvicornis.