Phytomyza eriodictyi
(Spencer, 1981)
Phytomyza eriodictyi is a leaf-mining fly in the Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. As a member of the Phytomyza, it likely shares the characteristic larval habit of feeding within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine mines. The specific epithet 'eriodictyi' suggests an association with Eriodictyon, a genus of flowering plants in the waterleaf family (Hydrophyllaceae) native to western North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phytomyza eriodictyi: //faɪtoʊˈmaɪzə ˌɛriˌoʊˈdɪkti.aɪ//
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Images
Distribution
Native to western North America, based on the plant Eriodictyon which is to this region.
Host Associations
- Eriodictyon - probable plantSpecific epithet 'eriodictyi' indicates association with this plant
Similar Taxa
- Phytomyza ilicicolaBoth are Phytomyza leafminers, but P. ilicicola is associated with Ilex (holly) in eastern North America, whereas P. eriodictyi is associated with Eriodictyon in western North America
- Other Phytomyza speciesMany Phytomyza create similar serpentine leaf mines; specific plant association and geographic range are key distinguishing features
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- The Holly and Ivy - A two part series: This week the holly and the native holly leaf miner, Phytomyza ilicicola — Bug of the Week
- Deck the halls with boughs of holly…and the Native holly leafminer, 'Phytomyza ilicicola', and Holly berry midge, 'Asphondylia ilicicola' — Bug of the Week
- Holly surprise: Native holly leafminer, Phytomyza ilicicola — Bug of the Week
- Holiday miners - Native holly leafminer, Phytomyza ilicicola — Bug of the Week
- Deck the halls with boughs of holly - and maybe some leaves with the native holly leafminer, Phytomyza ilicicola — Bug of the Week
- The Holly and Ivy: A two part series - This week the holly and holly leaf miner - Phytomyza ilicicola — Bug of the Week