Calycomyza steviae
Spencer, 1973
Calycomyza steviae is a leaf-mining fly in the Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1973. The epithet indicates an association with Stevia, a of plants in the Asteraceae family. Like other members of Calycomyza, the larvae likely feed internally within leaf tissue, creating distinctive mines. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature beyond its original description.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Calycomyza steviae: /ˌkælɪkoʊˈmaɪzə ˈstiːviˌeɪ/
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Identification
Identification of C. steviae requires examination of male genitalia, a standard practice for -level determination in Agromyzidae. The specific association with Stevia plants may aid in field recognition, though this requires confirmation. External morphological features overlap broadly with other Calycomyza species.
Host Associations
- Stevia - of plants in Asteraceae; specific unconfirmed
Similar Taxa
- Calycomyza platensisCongeneric with overlapping range in Asteraceae; distinguished by genitalia and subtle morphological differences
- Calycomyza mikaniaeAnother Calycomyza associated with Asteraceae; requires dissection for reliable separation
More Details
Nomenclatural note
The epithet 'steviae' is formed from the name Stevia, following standard Latin genitive construction for -associated species.
Taxonomic context
Calycomyza is a large of Neotropical and Nearctic leaf-mining flies, with many described by Spencer based on associations and male genitalia.