Phytomyza aquilegivora

Spencer, 1969

columbine leafminer

Phytomyza aquilegivora is a leaf-mining fly in the Agromyzidae that specializes on columbine (Aquilegia spp.). Larvae feed within leaves, creating serpentine mines that expand as they grow. levels vary significantly by and cultivar, with some selections showing moderate resistance. The species is subject to by hymenopteran .

Aquilegia vulgaris - galeries dues à Phytomyza aquilegivora by Spedona. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phytomyza aquilegivora: //faɪtoʊˈmɪzə ˌækwɪliˈdʒɪvərə//

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 Agromyzidae; specific diagnostic features distinguishing P. aquilegivora from other Phytomyza are not documented in available sources. Larval mines appear as serpentine trails on columbine leaves. Presence on Aquilegia plants separates it from the related holly leafminer Phytomyza ilicicola.

Images

Habitat

Gardens and landscapes planted with columbine (Aquilegia spp.); occurs in both irrigated and non-irrigated settings. Field studies have documented in wooded sites and open cultivated areas.

Distribution

United States and Canada. Specific records include Vermont and Georgia; distribution corresponds to the range of cultivated and native columbine .

Diet

Larval stage feeds on leaf tissue of columbine (Aquilegia spp.), creating internal mines. have been observed to feed on plant sap from feeding punctures made by the ovipositor, though this is inferred from related Phytomyza and not directly documented for P. aquilegivora.

Host Associations

Aquilegia canadensis - Native showing moderate resistance in non-irrigated sites
Aquilegia flabellata - Comparable resistance to A. canadensis in non-irrigated sites
Aquilegia caerulea 'Dwarf Fantasy Mix' - Moderate resistance in non-irrigated sites
Aquilegia alpina - Heavily attacked across all sites
Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Star' - Heavily attacked; highest rates of any cultivar studied
Aquilegia caerulea - Heavily attacked
Aquilegia caerulea 'McKana mix' - Heavily attacked
Aquilegia caerulea 'Music hybrid' - Heavily attacked
Aquilegia skinneri - Heavily attacked
Aquilegia x hybrida 'Ruby Port' - Heavily attacked
Aquilegia vervaeneana 'Woodside' - Intermediate levels
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Winkie Blue & White' - Intermediate levels

Life Cycle

Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae develop within leaf mines, feeding between upper and lower leaf surfaces. likely occurs within the mine or in soil, based on related Phytomyza , but specific details are not documented.

Behavior

Females use an ovipositor to pierce leaf surfaces and deposit into soft leaf tissue. Larvae create expanding serpentine mines as they feed and grow. levels are influenced by cultivar and irrigation status, with all cultivars equally infested in irrigated sites but variable resistance in non-irrigated conditions.

Ecological Role

Herbivore specializing on columbine; serves as for hymenopteran including Chrysocharis pentheus (most abundant in central Georgia) and Seladerma sp. (only parasitoid recovered in north Georgia). Eleven parasitoid from three have been documented.

Human Relevance

Pest of ornamental columbine in gardens and landscapes. Some cultivars show moderate resistance, offering potential for . by native may reduce pressure.

Similar Taxa

Phytomyza ilicicolaNative holly leafminer; similar serpentine mining and , but restricted to Ilex (holly) rather than Aquilegia
Pristiphora rufipesColumbine sawfly; also feeds on columbine but is a hymenopteran with larval stages that consume leaf tissue externally rather than mining internally, and have two pairs of wings versus one pair in Diptera

More Details

Host resistance patterns

Field trials in Georgia demonstrated that irrigation status significantly affects expression of resistance. In non-irrigated wooded sites, certain cultivars and native showed moderate resistance, while in irrigated sites all tested cultivars were equally susceptible.

Parasitoid community variation

composition differed geographically: Chrysocharis pentheus dominated in central Georgia (41% of all parasitoids, 48.4% of reared), while Seladerma sp. was the only parasitoid recovered in north Georgia (22.1% of all parasitoids).