Calycomyza verbenae
(Hering, 1951)
Calycomyza verbenae is a fly in the Agromyzidae. The was described by Hering in 1951. It is associated with plants in the Verbena and related genera, where larvae create mines within leaves. Records indicate presence in the United States and Brazil (Pará).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Calycomyza verbenae: /ˌkælɪkoʊˈmaɪzə vɜrˈbeɪni/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
As a member of Agromyzidae, this would be identified by the presence of leaf mines on plants in combination with morphological features. Specific diagnostic characters for distinguishing C. verbenae from other Calycomyza species are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with supporting its plants: Glandularia bipinnatifida, Verbena brasiliensis, Verbena neomexicana, and Verbena urticifolia. These include open, disturbed areas, roadsides, and natural grasslands where Verbenaceae occur.
Distribution
United States; Brazil (Pará).
Diet
Larvae feed internally on leaf tissue of plants, creating mines. Documented hosts: Glandularia bipinnatifida, Verbena brasiliensis, Verbena neomexicana, Verbena urticifolia. feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Glandularia bipinnatifida - larval
- Verbena brasiliensis - larval
- Verbena neomexicana - larval
- Verbena urticifolia - larval
Life Cycle
Development occurs through leaf mining: are deposited on plant leaves, larvae feed internally creating serpentine or blotch mines, then pupate. Specific details on site (leaf mine vs. soil) and number of per year are not documented.
Behavior
Larvae are endophagous leaf miners. likely visit plants for oviposition and possibly for nectar or other resources, though specific adult are not documented.
Ecological Role
As a , larvae consume photosynthetic tissue of plants, potentially affecting plant growth. The serves as prey for and other natural enemies, though specific parasitoid records are not documented.
Human Relevance
Potential minor pest of ornamental Verbena . No significant economic or medical importance documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Calycomyza speciesMany Calycomyza are leaf miners on related plant (Asteraceae, Verbenaceae). Accurate identification requires examination of male genitalia and plant association.
- Other Agromyzidae leaf miners on VerbenaceaeLiriomyza and other include that mine Verbenaceae leaves. Distinguishing features include mine , larval and morphology, and specificity.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet 'verbenae' directly references the plant Verbena, indicating an early recognition of this ecological association.
Data gaps
No published information on , , or detailed . Most records derive from leaf mine observations and plant associations rather than specimen-based studies.