Agromyzidae
Guides
Ophiomyia abutilivora
Ophiomyia abutilivora is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. The species epithet 'abutilivora' indicates a larval association with plants in the genus Abutilon (Malvaceae). Like other members of Ophiomyia, the larvae likely form internal mines in host plant stems or leaves. The genus is characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive larval feeding habits.
Ophiomyia antennariae
Ophiomyia antennariae is a recently described species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2019. The species is named for its association with host plants in the genus Antennaria (pussytoes), indicating a specialized herbivorous relationship. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces serpentine or blotch mines in leaves, though specific mine morphology has not been formally documented in the original description. The species represents part of the diverse radiation of agromyzid flies that specialize on Asteraceae host plants.
Ophiomyia asterovora-like
Ophiomyia asterovora-like refers to a morphologically similar species or species complex within the genus Ophiomyia, a group of minute leaf-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae). These flies are characterized by reduced wing venation and larvae that create serpentine or blotch mines in Asteraceae host plants. The "asterovora-like" designation indicates taxonomic uncertainty, likely reflecting specimens that match O. asterovora in general appearance but may represent distinct, undescribed, or cryptic species. Members of this group are small, dark flies with distinctive male genitalia that require microscopic examination for definitive identification.
Ophiomyia atriplicis
Ophiomyia atriplicis is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1984. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces internal stem or leaf mines on host plants. The specific epithet 'atriplicis' indicates an association with Atriplex (saltbush), though direct host records require verification. It is a poorly documented species with limited published biological data.
Ophiomyia camarae
Herring-bone Leafminer, Herringbone Leaf-miner
Ophiomyia camarae is a small leaf-mining fly (1.5–2 mm) native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Florida. It has been introduced to multiple countries outside the Americas as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species exhibits strong host specificity, with larvae mining the leaves of Lantana species. Adults are distinguished by their shiny black bodies and red compound eyes.
Ophiomyia carolinensis
Ophiomyia carolinensis is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. As a member of this family, it likely produces characteristic serpentine or blotch mines in host plant leaves during larval development. The species name suggests an association with the Carolinas region of the United States.
Ophiomyia chondrillae
Ophiomyia chondrillae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. The species is known as a specialized herbivore of Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed), a perennial weed of Eurasian origin that has become invasive in North America and Australia. It has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for this weed. The specific epithet reflects this host association.
Ophiomyia congregata
Ophiomyia congregata is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described by Malloch in 1913. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it is likely associated with stem or root mining in plants, though specific host associations and biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Ophiomyia coniceps
Ophiomyia coniceps is a species of fly in the family Agromyzidae, the leaf-miner flies. It was described by Malloch in 1915. The species is known to occur in Canada and the United States. Like other members of its family, it likely develops as a leaf miner, though specific host plant associations and detailed biology remain poorly documented.
Ophiomyia lantanae
Lantana Seed Fly
Ophiomyia lantanae is a small fly in the family Agromyzidae, native to the Americas from the southern United States to Brazil. It was introduced to Australia in 1914 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species has since established populations in multiple countries across several continents. It is commonly known as the Lantana Seed Fly due to its association with its host plant.
Ophiomyia maura
Ophiomyia maura is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species creates distinctive linear white mines on the upper leaf surfaces of host plants in the genus Aster. Larvae feed selectively on palisade parenchyma tissues, exhibiting complex mining patterns that serve defensive functions against parasitoids. The species has been documented from Japan, Alaska, and Manitoba, with European records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Ophiomyia nabali
Ophiomyia nabali is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2021 by Eiseman and Lonsdale. The genus Ophiomyia is characterized by species that produce linear or serpentine leaf mines, typically on monocotyledonous plants. This species was established relatively recently and appears to remain poorly documented in public sources.
Ophiomyia new-species-on-pyrrhopappus
Ophiomyia new-species-on-pyrrhopappus is an undescribed species of agromyzid fly in the genus Ophiomyia. It is associated with Pyrrhopappus, a genus of plants in the Asteraceae family. As a newly recognized taxon, formal description and characterization remain pending. The species exemplifies ongoing discovery of specialized herbivorous insects associated with particular host plants.
Ophiomyia quinta
Ophiomyia quinta is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Spencer in 1969. The genus Ophiomyia comprises small flies whose larvae create distinctive mines within plant tissue. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced wing venation and specific larval feeding habits. O. quinta is one of numerous species in a genus that has been documented across multiple continents.
Ophiomyia tiliae
Ophiomyia tiliae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described from Vermont, USA in 1908. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces linear or serpentine mines in host plant leaves, though specific documentation for this species is sparse. The species epithet "tiliae" suggests an association with Tilia (linden or basswood) as host plant. It is known from limited records in the northeastern United States.
Ophiomyiinae
Ophiomyiinae is a subfamily of small flies within the family Agromyzidae, commonly known as leaf-miner flies. Members of this subfamily are characterized by their highly specialized association with monocotyledonous plants, particularly grasses and sedges. The group includes economically significant pests of cereal crops and pasture grasses. Larval development occurs within plant tissues, creating distinctive feeding damage.
Phytoliriomyza dorsata
Phytoliriomyza dorsata is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. It is a small dipteran with wing lengths ranging from 1.9–2.6 mm. The species has a broad distribution across the Palearctic region, with records from Europe, Russia, Iran, and Japan, and has also been reported in North America where it may be introduced.
Phytoliriomyza felti
Phytoliriomyza felti is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, specialized on ferns. The larvae create distinctive mines in fronds of various fern species. It has been documented on Pellaea atropurpurea (purple-stem cliffbrake) and Asplenium species, and likely occurs on additional fern hosts. This species represents one of the relatively few agromyzid flies with documented fern-feeding specialization.
Phytoliriomyza melampyga
Jewelweed Leaf-miner Fly
Phytoliriomyza melampyga is a small fly in the family Agromyzidae, commonly known as the Jewelweed Leaf-miner Fly. The species is recognized by distinctive yellow markings on the mesonotum, scutellum, and frons. Its larvae are leaf miners that feed on Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). The species has been recorded across North America and Europe.
Phytoliriomyza pulchella
Phytoliriomyza pulchella is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. The genus Phytoliriomyza contains fern-feeding specialists, and this species is part of a group of agromyzid flies whose larvae create distinctive mines in fern fronds. Very little published information exists specifically for P. pulchella, though its congeners are well-documented as fern miners.
Phytomyza
Phytomyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, comprising at least 170 described species. Larvae develop as miners within living plant leaves, creating distinctive serpentine or blotchy galleries between the upper and lower epidermis. Adults are small, typically black or dark-colored flies resembling tiny houseflies. The genus exhibits high host specificity, with individual species often restricted to particular plant genera or families.
Phytomyza aldrichi
Phytomyza aldrichi is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. The species is known from the northeastern United States, with records from Vermont and Idaho. Like other members of the genus Phytomyza, the larvae likely feed internally within leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines.
Phytomyza aquilegiana
columbine leafminer
Phytomyza aquilegiana, commonly known as the columbine leafminer, is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species is found in the Southeastern United States, with additional records from Vermont. Like other Phytomyza species, the larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine mines. The specific host plant associations and detailed biology of this species remain poorly documented compared to its congeners.
Phytomyza confusa
Phytomyza confusa is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2018. Like other members of its genus, it develops as a larva within plant leaf tissue, creating distinctive feeding galleries. The species is part of a diverse group of agromyzid flies whose larvae are specialized herbivores on particular host plants. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology and distribution remains limited.
Phytomyza crassiseta
Phytomyza crassiseta is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The genus Phytomyza contains numerous species whose larvae feed internally within leaves, creating distinctive serpentine mines. Specific biological details for P. crassiseta are limited in available sources. Many Phytomyza species are host-specific to particular plant genera or families.
Phytomyza davisii
Phytomyza davisii is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described by Walton in 1912, originally placed in the genus Agromyza. It is distributed in Canada and the United States. Beyond basic taxonomic and geographic information, specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Phytomyza ditmani
Phytomyza ditmani is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species is known from the District of Columbia. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it likely shares the typical biology of related species: larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating characteristic serpentine mines. However, specific details of its host plants, life history, and ecology remain undocumented in the available sources.
Phytomyza erigeronis
Phytomyza erigeronis is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2018 by Eiseman and Lonsdale. It belongs to a large genus of flies whose larvae feed internally within plant leaves, creating distinctive serpentine mines. The specific epithet suggests an association with Erigeron (fleabane) host plants, though detailed life history information remains limited. As a recently described species, much of its biology awaits documentation.
Phytomyza eriodictyi
Phytomyza eriodictyi is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. As a member of the genus 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.
Phytomyza fricki
Phytomyza fricki is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Griffiths in 1974. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it shares the characteristic larval habit of feeding within leaf tissue, creating visible mines. The specific host associations and biology of this species have not been well documented in available literature. It is distinct from the more commonly referenced native holly leafminer (Phytomyza ilicicola) and the invasive allium leafminer (Phytomyza gymnostoma).
Phytomyza glabricola
inkberry holly leafminer
Phytomyza glabricola is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, endemic to the eastern United States. The species exhibits host-associated divergence on two sympatric holly species, Ilex glabra and I. coriacea, with populations on each host showing substantial genetic divergence and reproductive isolation. Development time differs dramatically between host races: 2-4 weeks with multiple generations per year on I. glabra versus 9-10 months with a single generation per year on I. coriacea. Despite these differences, adults from both hosts emerge synchronously in mid-January to mid-February. The species provides a well-documented case of ecological speciation via host shift.
Phytomyza hatfieldae
Phytomyza hatfieldae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2018. Like other Phytomyza species, it likely produces serpentine leaf mines on host plants. The species is closely related to and potentially confused with the native holly leafminer (Phytomyza ilicicola), from which it may be distinguished by host plant associations and subtle morphological differences.
Phytomyza ilicicola
native holly leafminer, American Holly Leafminer
Phytomyza ilicicola is a specialist leaf-mining fly whose larvae create distinctive serpentine trails within the leaves of American holly (Ilex opaca). Adults are small black flies resembling houseflies that emerge in early spring, timed precisely with the appearance of tender new holly leaves. The species is notable for its intimate ecological relationship with its host plant, including the holly's defensive response of prematurely dropping heavily infested leaves.
Phytomyza krygeri
Phytomyza lactuca
Phytomyza lactuca is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Frost in 1924. The specific epithet 'lactuca' suggests an association with lettuce (Lactuca), indicating likely host specialization on plants in this genus. As a member of the large genus Phytomyza, it shares the typical agromyzid biology of larvae that feed internally in leaf tissue, creating distinctive mines. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species.
Phytomyza nemophilae
Phytomyza nemophilae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2019. The specific epithet 'nemophilae' indicates an association with plants in the genus Nemophila. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it likely produces serpentine or blotch mines in leaf tissue during larval development, though direct observations of this species remain limited in the provided sources.
Phytomyza nepetae
Phytomyza nepetae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Hendel in 1922. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it shares the characteristic biology of internal leaf-feeding larvae that create distinctive mines within host plant foliage. The specific epithet 'nepetae' suggests an association with Nepeta (catmint) species, though detailed host records are limited. Distribution records indicate presence in the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
Phytomyza opacae
Native holly leafminer
Phytomyza opacae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. It is a specialist herbivore that develops within the leaves of holly species (Ilex). The larva creates distinctive serpentine mines visible on leaf surfaces. This species is closely associated with American holly (Ilex opaca) and related Ilex species.
Phytomyza ovalis
Phytomyza ovalis is a species of leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described by Griffiths in 1975. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it belongs to a group of flies whose larvae feed within plant leaves, creating distinctive mines or trails. The specific epithet 'ovalis' likely refers to some oval characteristic of the species, though the original description would be needed to confirm this.
Phytomyza palustris
Phytomyza palustris is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2018. Like other members of the genus Phytomyza, its larvae feed internally within leaves, creating distinctive tunnels or mines between the upper and lower leaf surfaces. The species epithet 'palustris' suggests an association with marshy or wetland habitats. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, indicating it may be rare, recently described, or poorly surveyed.
Phytomyza penstemonis
Phytomyza penstemonis is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1969. The species is recorded from the United States. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it likely produces serpentine leaf mines in host plant foliage, though specific details regarding its biology and host associations remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Phytomyza plumiseta
Phytomyza plumiseta is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described by Frost in 1924. It is one of many Phytomyza species that create serpentine mines in plant leaves. The genus Phytomyza contains numerous leafminer species, many of which are specialists on particular host plants.
Phytomyza prava
Phytomyza prava is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1969. It belongs to a large genus of flies whose larvae create distinctive feeding galleries within plant leaves. The species is accepted in taxonomic databases but detailed biological information specific to this species is not readily available in the provided sources.
Phytomyza ranunculi
Ranunculus leaf-mining fly
Phytomyza ranunculi is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae that develops within leaves of Ranunculus plants (buttercups). Adults are approximately 2 mm long and highly variable in coloration, with several named color variants. The larvae are primarily leaf-miners, forming long, conspicuous white mines with frass arranged in close strings. The species is widespread in Europe and occurs in the Palearctic region. Pupae are heavily parasitized, with up to 75% of puparia attacked by parasitoid wasps.
Phytomyza sempervirentis
English Holly Leafminer
Phytomyza sempervirentis is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described in 2018 and is associated with Ilex species, including English holly (Ilex aquifolium). Larvae create serpentine mines within holly leaves, feeding between the upper and lower epidermis. Adults are small black flies that emerge in spring to coincide with the production of tender new leaves.
Phytomyza solidaginivora
Phytomyza solidaginivora is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described by Spencer in 1969. Records indicate it is known from Alberta, Canada. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it is likely an internal feeder on plant tissue, though specific host associations for this species are not documented in the provided sources.
Phytomyza tarnwoodensis
Phytomyza tarnwoodensis is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described from Vermont, USA in 2018. The species is known from limited collection records and appears to be associated with woody plants. Like other Phytomyza species, it likely produces serpentine or blotch mines in leaves during larval development. The specific epithet references the type locality.
Phytomyza thalictrivora
Phytomyza thalictrivora is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1969. The species name suggests an association with plants in the genus Thalictrum (meadow-rue), though specific biological details remain poorly documented. It belongs to a large genus of flies whose larvae typically feed within leaf tissue, creating distinctive mines. Unlike the well-studied congener Phytomyza ilicicola on American holly, detailed life history information for this species is not readily available in published sources.
Phytomyza tiarellae
Phytomyza tiarellae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Griffiths in 1972. It belongs to a genus of flies whose larvae feed within plant tissues, creating distinctive mines in leaves. The specific epithet suggests an association with plants in the genus Tiarella. As a member of the Agromyzidae, it shares the family's characteristic larval habit of feeding between leaf epidermal layers.
Phytomyza tigris
Phytomyza tigris is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2018 by Eiseman and Lonsdale. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it likely exhibits the characteristic leaf-mining larval behavior typical of this diverse group of flies. The species has been recorded from Vermont, United States. Like other Phytomyza species, it probably develops within leaf tissue, with larvae creating distinctive feeding galleries between the upper and lower leaf surfaces.