Cerodontha scirpi
Karl, 1926
Cerodontha scirpi is a fly in the Agromyzidae. The name 'scirpi' refers to its association with sedges ( Scirpus). Larvae mine between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes. It is recorded from North America and Europe.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cerodontha scirpi: /sɛˈrɒdɒnθə ˈsʌɪrpaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
are small flies in the Cerodontha. Larvae create linear mines between the epidermal layers of grass blades, sedges, and rushes. Specific adult identification features for C. scirpi are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Areas with grasses, sedges, and rushes. The presence of plants (Scirpus and related ) is required.
Distribution
North America (United States, Canada) and Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden).
Seasonality
have been observed in early spring (March-April in Kansas, USA).
Diet
Larvae feed internally on grass blades, sedges, and rushes, mining between leaf layers.
Host Associations
- Scirpus - larval of sedges; referenced in epithet
- grasses - larval grass blades mined by larvae
- rushes - larval leaves mined by larvae
Life Cycle
Larval stage develops as within plant leaves. likely occurs within the mine or in soil, typical of Agromyzidae. Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages.
Behavior
Larvae are endophagous leaf miners. are attracted to light.
Ecological Role
activity creates damage to plant foliage. Part of the of insects associated with wetland and grassland plants.
Similar Taxa
- other Cerodontha speciesMany Cerodontha are leaf miners on grasses and sedges; specific identification requires examination of male genitalia or larval association
- other AgromyzidaeNumerous leaf miner flies in related create similar linear mines on monocots
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was described by Karl in 1926. The specific epithet 'scirpi' derives from Scirpus, the of bulrushes and sedges.