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Diptera
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Guides
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 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 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 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 pedicularicaulis
A species of agromyzid leaf-mining fly described by Spencer in 1969. Belongs to the genus Phytomyza, a diverse group of flies whose larvae feed within living plant tissue, creating distinctive mines in leaves. The specific epithet "pedicularicaulis" suggests an association with plants in the genus Pedicularis (louseworts), though this host relationship has not been verified in the available sources.
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 plantaginis
Plantain leafminer
Phytomyza plantaginis is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. It is notable as the second documented case of parthenogenetic reproduction (thelytoky) in its family. Populations in Australia exhibit variation in sex ratio, with some areas having only females and others maintaining bisexual populations with female-biased ratios. The species is associated with Plantago host plants.
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 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 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.
Phytomyza triostevena
Phytomyza triostevena is a recently described leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first recognized as a distinct species by Eiseman & Lonsdale in 2021. It was previously conflated with the native holly leafminer Phytomyza ilicicola, from which it has been taxonomically separated based on morphological and biological distinctions. The species develops as a larva within leaves of its host plant, creating serpentine mines between the upper and lower epidermal layers. Its life cycle and host associations appear similar to those of related holly-feeding Phytomyza species, though specific details remain under investigation due to its recent description.
Phytomyza verbenae
Phytomyza verbenae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2018. The genus Phytomyza comprises numerous leaf-mining species whose larvae feed internally within plant leaves, creating distinctive serpentine mines. This species is associated with verbena plants (Verbenaceae) based on its specific epithet, though detailed biological studies remain limited. Like congeners, it likely completes its development within leaf tissue, with adults emerging to coincide with host plant phenology.
Phytomyza wiggii
Phytomyza wiggii is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Lonsdale & Scheffer in 2011. It belongs to a genus of flies whose larvae create distinctive serpentine mines within leaf tissue. The species is closely related to P. lineata, with which it has been synonymized in some taxonomic databases. Like other Phytomyza species, it likely completes its larval development within host plant leaves, though specific host associations for this particular species remain undocumented in the available literature.
Phytomyza ziziae
Phytomyza ziziae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2018 from specimens in Vermont, United States. It belongs to a genus whose larvae create distinctive serpentine mines within leaves. The specific epithet references Zizia, a genus of North American plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), suggesting a potential host association. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Phytomyzinae
leaf-miner flies
Phytomyzinae is a subfamily of leaf-mining flies within the family Agromyzidae, comprising at least 520 described species. The larvae of these flies are internal feeders that create distinctive mines within plant leaves. They serve as hosts for various parasitoid wasps, including braconids and chalcidids. The subfamily includes economically significant genera such as Liriomyza and Phytomyza.
Phytosciara
Phytosciara is a genus of black fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae, established by Frey in 1942. The genus includes the subgenus Prosciara. Phytosciara (Prosciara) plusiochaeta was reported from North America for the first time in a 2019 taxonomic revision, representing a range extension from its previously known distribution. The genus is part of the diverse sciarid fauna of the Nearctic and Palearctic regions.
Phytosciara greylockensis
Phytosciara greylockensis is a species of dark-winged fungus gnat in the family Sciaridae, described in 2018 from Massachusetts. The species epithet references Mount Greylock, the highest point in the state. Like other members of the genus Phytosciara, it belongs to a group of small, delicate flies associated with moist habitats and fungal substrates. The species is known from a limited number of observations, reflecting both its recent description and the general undersampling of sciarid diversity.
Piezura
Piezura is a small genus of small flies in the family Fanniidae, distinguished from other fanniid genera by its plumose arista. The genus contains five described species with distribution primarily in the Holarctic region. Two species, P. pardalina and P. graminicola, occur in Europe. Recent taxonomic revision has clarified species concepts, redescribed all species, and provided illustrated genitalia and identification keys for both sexes.
Pilaria
Pilaria is a genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, established by Sintenis in 1889. These insects belong to the subfamily Limnophilinae and are distributed across northern Europe and parts of North America. The genus contains multiple species, though specific species-level information remains limited in available sources.
Pilaria recondita
Pilaria recondita is a species of limoniid crane fly first described from the Nearctic region. The species occurs across eastern North America, from Minnesota and Ontario south to Louisiana and Florida. It belongs to the family Limoniidae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized crane flies often associated with moist habitats. The specific epithet 'recondita' (meaning hidden or concealed) may allude to its cryptic nature or habitat preferences.
Pipiza
Pitheads
Pipiza is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) containing approximately 12 European species. Adults are predominantly dark-colored and resemble small bees or wasps. The genus is notable for its specialized larval ecology: larvae are predaceous, feeding exclusively on gall-forming aphids on foliage. Species show strong association with forested landscapes, particularly deciduous forests and forest edges. Climate modeling indicates high distributional stability across Europe, with potential northward shifts in species diversity.
Pipiza femoralis
White-haired Pithead
Pipiza femoralis is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) first described by Loew in 1866. It belongs to the tribe Pipizini, a group of small to medium-sized hoverflies. The common name "White-haired Pithead" has been recorded for this species. As with other members of the genus Pipiza, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and aphid honeydew as adult food sources, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pipiza quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Pipiza
Pipiza quadrimaculata is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, first described by Georg Wolfgang Franz Panzer in 1802. The species epithet "quadrimaculata" (meaning "four-spotted") refers to characteristic markings on the wings or body. It belongs to the tribe Pipizini, a group of small to medium-sized hoverflies often associated with woodland and wetland habitats. The species has been recorded in Belgium with presence confirmed across multiple administrative regions.
Pipunculinae
big-headed flies
Pipunculinae is a subfamily of big-headed flies within the family Pipunculidae. It comprises approximately 9 genera and at least 130 described species. Members are parasitoids, primarily attacking leafhoppers and planthoppers (Auchenorrhyncha). The subfamily is divided into five tribes: Cephalopsini, Microcephalopsini, Eudorylini, Tomosvaryellini, and Pipunculini.
Pipunculus
Pipunculus is a genus of flies in the family Pipunculidae with cosmopolitan distribution. Members are internal parasites of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae (Homoptera). The genus has been documented in Europe, Australia, Fiji, and North America. At least one species, Pipunculus semifumosus, has been studied for its parasitic effects on host size and reproductive structures.
Pipunculus houghi
Pipunculus houghi is a species of big-headed fly in the family Pipunculidae, described by Kertész in 1900. As a member of Pipunculus, it is an endoparasitoid of true bugs (Hemiptera). The species is part of a diverse genus of parasitoid flies that exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism in head size.
Plagiomima
Plagiomima is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Voriini, subfamily Dexiinae. The genus was described by Brauer and Bergenstamm in 1891. It contains approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with most species described by Aldrich in 1926 and Reinhard in the mid-20th century. As with other tachinids, members of this genus are likely parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Platycheirus quadratus
Platycheirus quadratus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the genus Platycheirus, a diverse group of small to medium-sized hoverflies commonly found in temperate regions. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in current taxonomic databases. Like other syrphid flies, adults are likely pollinators that visit flowers for nectar.
Platycheirus stegnus
Greater Punctate Sedgesitter
Platycheirus stegnus is a hoverfly (Syrphidae) commonly known as the Greater Punctate Sedgesitter. It belongs to a genus characterized by elongated legs and distinctive wing venation. Like other syrphids, adults are likely nectar feeders, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1829.
Platymya
Platymya is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus contains four recognized species distributed in the Holarctic region. As members of the tribe Goniini, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations for most species remain poorly documented.
Platypalpus
dance fly, hybotid dance fly
Platypalpus is a large genus of hybotid dance flies comprising at least 580 described species worldwide, with over 200 species in Europe alone. These small predatory flies are characterized by their compact bodies, enlarged compound eyes that occupy most of the head, and raptorial front legs adapted for seizing prey. Adults are active predators that feed on small insects, while larvae occupy diverse microhabitats including leaf litter, soil, and aquatic environments. The genus has been documented in agricultural ecosystems, particularly cereal crops and greenhouses, where they may contribute to pest regulation.
Platypalpus discifer
hybotid dance fly
Platypalpus discifer is a species of hybotid dance fly first described by Loew in 1863. As a member of the family Hybotidae, it belongs to a group of small predatory flies formerly classified within Empididae. The genus Platypalpus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a small spherical head relative to body size. Like other hybotids, this species is predatory as an adult and is associated with specific microhabitats for feeding.
Platypalpus flammifer
dance fly
Platypalpus flammifer is a species of hybotid dance fly described by Melander in 1924. Like other members of the family Hybotidae, it is a small predatory fly. The genus Platypalpus is part of the subfamily Tachydromiinae within Hybotidae. Very few specific observations of this species have been documented.
Platypalpus holosericus
Platypalpus holosericus is a small predatory fly in the family Hybotidae, commonly known as hybotid dance flies. The species was described by Melander in 1924. Like other members of the genus Platypalpus, it likely occupies specific feeding niches and exhibits the characteristic predatory behavior of the family. Adults are known to seize prey with modified front legs and use extraoral digestion.
Platypalpus mesogrammus
hybotid dance fly
Platypalpus mesogrammus is a small predatory fly in the family Hybotidae, commonly known as hybotid dance flies. Like other members of its genus, it is characterized by a diminutive spherical head and enlarged compound eyes that dominate the visual profile. The species was described by Loew in 1863 and is one of many poorly studied dance flies with limited documented natural history.
Platypeza
flat-footed flies
Platypeza is a genus of flat-footed flies in the family Platypezidae, established by Meigen in 1803. The genus contains at least 30 described species. Members are small to medium-sized flies characterized by their distinctive flattened hind tarsi, a trait that gives the family its common name. These flies are part of the diverse Diptera fauna found primarily in forested environments of the Northern Hemisphere.
Platypeza taeniata
Platypeza taeniata is a species of flat-footed fly in the family Platypezidae, first described by Snow in 1894. Members of this family are commonly known as flat-footed flies due to their distinctive flattened tarsi. The species belongs to the genus Platypeza, which comprises small to medium-sized flies often associated with decaying organic matter. As with many Platypezidae, the larvae likely develop in fungi or decaying substrates, though specific details for this species remain limited.
Platypezidae
Flat-footed Flies
Platypezidae is a family of small true flies (Diptera) comprising over 250 species worldwide. Adults are commonly known as flat-footed flies due to their characteristically modified tarsal segments, particularly in males. The family is primarily associated with woodland habitats where larvae develop as fungivores. Adults exhibit distinctive swarming behavior for mating and are frequently observed performing rapid, erratic movements on vegetation. The family was formerly broader in circumscription, with Opetiidae and some genera now placed in Atelestidae removed based on phylogenetic evidence.
Platypezinae
flat-footed flies
Platypezinae is a subfamily of small, fungus-associated flies in the family Platypezidae, commonly known as flat-footed flies. The subfamily contains approximately 250 described species across at least 14 valid genera. Members are distinguished by flattened bodies, distinctive wing venation, and modified hind legs with broadened tibiae and tarsi. The genus Microsania is cosmopolitan in distribution, while Agathomyia is primarily Holarctic with some Oriental representatives.