Ophiomyia

Brazhnikov, 1897

Species Guides

Ophiomyia is a of leaf-mining flies in the Agromyzidae, established by Brazhnikov in 1897. The genus contains over 200 described distributed worldwide, with particularly significant agricultural impact in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species, notably O. phaseoli, O. spencerella, and O. centrosematis, are major pests of leguminous crops, with larvae feeding internally in stems and leaves. The genus exhibits diverse associations across multiple plant families, though many species show specialization on particular host genera.

Ophiomyia abutilivora by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Ophiomyia by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Ophiomyia by (c) gonodactylus, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by gonodactylus. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ophiomyia: /ˌoʊfiˈoʊmiə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

of Ophiomyia occur on all continents except Antarctica. Records exist from Europe (including eastern Ukraine, Scandinavia, and the Balkans), Asia (Japan, Taiwan, China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East), Africa (West Africa, East Africa including Kenya and Ethiopia, and southern Africa), North America (USA, Canada), Central and South America, and Australasia (Australia, Pacific Islands including Hawaii and Fiji). Specific distribution varies considerably by species.

Host Associations

Phaseolus - pest for O. phaseoli, O. spencerella
Vigna - pest for O. phaseoli
Dolichos - pest for O. phaseoli
Glycine max - pest for O. centrosematis (soybean)
Hemerocallis - for O. kwansonis (daylily)

Human Relevance

Several Ophiomyia are economically significant agricultural pests. In West Africa, larvae of O. spencerella, O. phaseola, and O. centrosematis damage cultivated bean crops. Ophiomyia phaseoli (bean fly) and O. spencerella form a pest complex affecting common bean production in Eastern Africa, where they reduce yields for smallholder farmers. Ophiomyia centrosematis is a documented pest of soybean. Management of these pests relies on models to optimize timing of control interventions.