Ophiomyia antennariae
Eiseman & Lonsdale, 2019
Ophiomyia antennariae is a recently described of leaf-mining fly in the Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2019. The species is named for its association with plants in the Antennaria (pussytoes), indicating a specialized herbivorous relationship. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces serpentine or blotch mines in leaves, though specific mine has not been formally documented in the original description. The species represents part of the diverse radiation of agromyzid flies that specialize on Asteraceae host plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ophiomyia antennariae: //ˌoʊfi.oʊˈmaɪə ænˈtɛnˌɛri.iː//
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Identification
Identification relies on examination of genitalia and association with Antennaria plants. The is distinguished from other Ophiomyia species by male genitalic characters described in the original taxonomic treatment. External of adults is not diagnostically distinctive without dissection. Larvae create mines in Antennaria leaves, but mine characteristics specific to this species remain undocumented.
Habitat
Associated with supporting Antennaria plants, which include dry meadows, rocky slopes, open woodlands, and alpine or subalpine environments in North America.
Distribution
Known from North America; specific type locality and full range documented in original description (Eiseman & Lonsdale, 2019). Distribution corresponds to range of Antennaria .
Diet
Herbivorous; larvae feed internally in leaves of Antennaria (Asteraceae).
Host Associations
- Antennaria - Larval plant; of herbs in Asteraceae commonly known as pussytoes.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ophiomyia species on AsteraceaeNumerous mine Asteraceae leaves; require genitalic examination and plant association for reliable identification.
- Phytomyza speciesAlso common leaf miners on Asteraceae; distinguished by larval and chaetotaxy, though definitive identification requires expert examination.
More Details
Taxonomic recency
Described in 2019, this exemplifies ongoing discovery of undescribed agromyzid diversity in North America, particularly among on native Asteraceae.