Liriomyza ptarmicae

Meijere, 1925

Liriomyza ptarmicae is a of fly in the Agromyzidae, first described by Meijere in 1925. The species is known from the Palaearctic region and the United States, with confirmed records from Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and Vermont, USA. Like other members of the , the larvae likely feed internally on leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines. The specific epithet 'ptarmicae' suggests an association with Achillea ptarmica (sneezewort yarrow), though this relationship requires confirmation.

Hering 01.020 by Klaus Rassinger (Museum Wiesbaden). Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Liriomyza ptarmicae, male, NHM Wildlife Garden, 12.08.21 (52492493004) by Sam Thomas. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Liriomyza ptarmicae: /ˌlɪrioʊˈmaɪzə tɑrˈmɪki/

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Identification

Liriomyza ptarmicae can be distinguished from other Liriomyza by genitalia , particularly the male and female ovipositor structure. The species is morphologically similar to other Phytomyzinae leaf miners; definitive identification requires examination of cleared genitalia under microscopy. It differs from the economically important pest species L. huidobrensis and L. trifolii in distribution and likely associations.

Images

Distribution

Palaearctic region (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and United States (Vermont). The disjunct distribution between Europe and North America suggests either a naturally wide range or potential anthropogenic introduction to North America.

Host Associations

Achillea ptarmica - probable Specific epithet suggests association with sneezewort yarrow, but direct observation of mining activity requires confirmation.

Similar Taxa

Liriomyza huidobrensisSimilar larval mining habit and , but L. huidobrensis is a major agricultural pest with broader range and tropical to subtropical distribution; distinguished by genitalia and temperature .
Liriomyza trifoliiAnother economically important with similar appearance; L. trifolii has pantropical distribution and is on many crop plants, requiring genitalia examination for separation.
Liriomyza sativaeVegetable leafminer with overlapping ; distinguished by genitalia structure and distribution patterns.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The specific epithet 'ptarmicae' is derived from Achillea ptarmica, suggesting the original description was based on specimens reared from this plant. However, modern host records for this are sparse in the literature.

Collection records

Specimens are held in entomological collections including those documented through GBIF, with verified occurrences in Scandinavia and Vermont, USA.