Ophiomyia camarae

Spencer, 1963

Herring-bone Leafminer, Herringbone Leaf-miner

Ophiomyia camarae is a small leaf-mining fly (1.5–2 mm) native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Florida. It has been introduced to multiple countries outside the Americas as a agent for the weed camara. The exhibits strong specificity, with larvae mining the leaves of Lantana species. are distinguished by their shiny black bodies and red .

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ophiomyia camarae: /oʊˈfaɪəˌmaɪə kəˈmɑːri/

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Identification

are small (1.5–2 mm), shiny black with distinctive red . Larvae create characteristic leaf mines in foliage. The 'herringbone' pattern of the leaf mines may aid in field identification. Distinguished from other Agromyzidae by association with Lantana and the combination of adult coloration and size.

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Habitat

Associated with camara and related Lantana ; occurs in where plants grow, including disturbed areas, rangelands, and natural vegetation invaded by Lantana.

Distribution

Native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Florida. Introduced to South Africa (approved for release in 2001), Australia (under investigation), and other countries outside the Americas for . Established confirmed in Swaziland.

Diet

Larvae feed on leaf tissue of camara, creating internal leaf mines. do not feed on plant tissue.

Host Associations

  • Lantana camara - primary Main for larval development; strong oviposition preference observed
  • Lantana trifolia - secondary Survival to adulthood observed in no-choice tests, but significantly lower than on L. camara
  • Lippia species - secondary Four Lippia supported survival to adulthood in no-choice tests, but with reduced

Life Cycle

Larvae develop within leaves of , mining internal tissue. Specific details on , pupal, and longevity not available from sources.

Behavior

Exhibits strong oviposition preference for camara in paired-choice tests. Engages in competitive interactions with other herbivores sharing the same , such as the Uroplata girardi. Leaf-mining larvae remain concealed within host foliage.

Ecological Role

agent for camara. Functions as a herbivore that reduces plant through larval leaf mining. Competes with other Lantana herbivores for host resources.

Human Relevance

Used intentionally as a agent to manage camara, a major weed in tropical and subtropical regions. -specificity testing has demonstrated limited risk to non-target plants, supporting its use in weed management programs.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Ophiomyia speciesSame ; distinguished by specificity to and the combination of small size, shiny black body, and red in
  • Other Agromyzidae leaf minersSimilar leaf-mining habit; distinguished by the characteristic herringbone mine pattern and exclusive association with

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Sources and further reading