Phytomyza hatfieldae

Eiseman & Lonsdale, 2018

Phytomyza hatfieldae is a leaf-mining in the , described in 2018. Like other Phytomyza , it likely produces serpentine leaf mines on plants. The species is closely related to and potentially confused with the holly (Phytomyza ilicicola), from which it may be distinguished by host associations and subtle morphological differences.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phytomyza hatfieldae: //faɪtoʊˈmaɪzə hætˈfiːldiː//

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Identification

may be distinguished from the similar Phytomyza ilicicola ( holly ) by examination of and associations. P. hatfieldae is associated with Ilex decidua (possumhaw), whereas P. ilicicola is restricted to Ilex opaca ( holly). Larval mines appear as sinuous, serpentine trails visible on the leaf surface, ending in a small exit window cut by the before .

Appearance

are small resembling small houseflies, typical of the Phytomyza. are tiny found feeding within leaf tissue between the upper and lower .

Habitat

Associated with deciduous holly in woodland and landscape settings where plants occur.

Distribution

Known from the southeastern and south-central United States, where its Ilex decidua is .

Seasonality

emerge in spring, timed to coincide with the appearance of tender new leaves on plants. feed through summer and winter, with development continuing on warm days during winter and early spring. occurs in spring.

Diet

feed on mesophyll tissue between the leaf , creating serpentine mines. females have been observed to feed on exuded sap from puncture wounds made with the , though this is inferred from congeneric .

Host Associations

  • Ilex decidua - primary ; deciduous holly

Life Cycle

Females use a sharp to through the leaf surface into soft mesophyll tissue. hatch and feed internally, creating expanding serpentine mines as they grow and . Larvae overwinter within leaves, continuing to feed during warm periods. Before pupating, larvae cut a small exit window in the leaf . emerge in spring to coincide with new leaf flush. If is mistimed and leaves have hardened, females cannot penetrate leaves with their ovipositors and fails.

Behavior

Larval feeding produces characteristic snakelike galleries (leaf mines) that end in a pre-cut escape window. Heavy may cause plants to drop infested leaves prematurely as a defensive response.

Ecological Role

As a , it acts as a on its . The plant may regulate through premature leaf abscission when become heavy.

Human Relevance

Minor aesthetic concern in ornamental plantings of possumhaw; cut branches with mined leaves may be brought indoors for decoration without risk of indoor .

Similar Taxa

  • Phytomyza ilicicolaExtremely similar in appearance and biology, but restricted to Ilex opaca ( holly) rather than I. decidua; distinguished by and subtle morphological differences in .

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described as a distinct in 2018 by Eiseman and Lonsdale, separating it from the long-known Phytomyza ilicicola based on differences and morphological study.

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