Cerodontha saintandrewsensis
Cerodontha saintandrewsensis is a of leaf-miner fly in the Agromyzidae. The Cerodontha comprises small flies whose larvae create distinctive feeding patterns by boring between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes. This species was documented during blacklighting surveys in Leavenworth, Kansas, in early spring 2024.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cerodontha saintandrewsensis: /sɛroʊˈdɒnθə seɪntændruˈwɛnsɪs/
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Identification
Members of the Cerodontha are small flies with reduced wing venation typical of Agromyzidae. They are distinguished from other leaf-miner flies by their larval of mining within grasses, sedges, and rushes rather than broad-leaved plants. are attracted to blacklight, which can aid in detection.
Habitat
Areas with grasses and sedges present; documented in residential backyard settings with mixed vegetation including lawn grasses and sedges.
Distribution
Documented from Leavenworth, Kansas, USA. The broader distribution of this is not well established in available sources.
Seasonality
have been observed in early spring (late March) in Kansas.
Diet
Larvae bore between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes. feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Poaceae - larval grass blades
- Cyperaceae - larval sedges and rushes
Behavior
are attracted to blacklight and are nocturnally active. Larvae are internal feeders within leaf tissue.
Ecological Role
Larvae function as herbivores within grassland and sedge , creating leaf mines that may affect plant physiology. The ecological significance of these interactions is not quantified.
Similar Taxa
- Other AgromyzidaeMany leaf-miner flies create similar mine patterns; Cerodontha is distinguished by association with grasses, sedges, and rushes rather than broad-leaved plants.