Leafminer
Guides
Liriomyza ivorcutleri
Liriomyza ivorcutleri is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2018. The species is part of the diverse Liriomyza genus, which includes numerous leafmining species, many of which are significant agricultural pests. Like other members of its genus, L. ivorcutleri likely has larvae that feed internally within leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines. The specific epithet honors Ivor Cutler.
Liriomyza langei
leafminer
Liriomyza langei is a leafminer fly species in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Frick in 1951. The species is known as a significant agricultural pest, particularly of chrysanthemum and spinach crops. Larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines that reduce photosynthetic capacity and crop quality. The species has been the subject of biological control studies using the parasitoid wasp Diglyphus isaea, as well as genetic research on host plant resistance in spinach.
Liriomyza lathyri
Liriomyza lathyri is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Sehgal in 1971. It belongs to a genus containing numerous economically important agricultural pests, though specific information about this particular species remains sparse. The species name suggests an association with Lathyrus (pea/vetch plants), but direct host records have not been documented in the available literature. Like other Liriomyza species, it likely has a holometabolous life cycle with larval stages that feed internally in leaf tissue.
Liriomyza limopsis
Liriomyza limopsis is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Lonsdale in 2017. It belongs to a genus containing numerous economically important agricultural pests, though specific information about this particular species remains limited. The species name suggests a possible association with lake or pond margins (from Greek 'limne' meaning lake and 'opsis' meaning appearance or sight). Like other Liriomyza species, it likely has a larval stage that mines within leaf tissue.
Liriomyza marginalis
Liriomyza marginalis is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Malloch in 1913. It has been recorded in the United States, West Indies, Brazil, and Mexico. A 2021 study documented it as a new record associated with maize crops in Mexico, marking the first known agricultural association for this species. Like other members of the genus Liriomyza, the larvae likely feed within leaf tissue, though specific morphological and behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Liriomyza nigriscutellata
Liriomyza nigriscutellata is a species of leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. The species is known only from California based on available records. Like other members of the genus Liriomyza, it is presumed to have larvae that feed within leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines, though specific host plants and detailed biology remain undocumented.
Liriomyza orilliensis
Liriomyza orilliensis is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1969. The species is known from the northeastern United States, with distribution records from Vermont. As a member of the genus Liriomyza, it likely exhibits the characteristic leaf-mining larval behavior typical of this economically important group, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Liriomyza pilicornis
Liriomyza pilicornis is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Lonsdale in 2017. It belongs to a genus containing numerous economically significant leafminer species, though specific information about this particular species remains limited. The genus Liriomyza is characterized by larvae that feed internally within leaf tissue, creating distinctive mines between the upper and lower leaf surfaces.
Liriomyza pistilla
Liriomyza pistilla is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Lonsdale in 2017. The genus Liriomyza includes numerous economically important leafminer species whose larvae feed internally within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine or blotch mines. As a recently described species, detailed biological information for L. pistilla remains limited. The species is known from specimen records in entomological collections, including the Entomology Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside.
Liriomyza polygalivora
Liriomyza polygalivora is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2019. The specific epithet "polygalivora" indicates its association with host plants in the genus Polygala. Like other members of the genus Liriomyza, it is likely a phytophagous species whose larvae create mines within leaf tissue.
Liriomyza sabaziae
Liriomyza sabaziae is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1963. Like other members of the genus Liriomyza, it is likely a leafminer whose larvae feed between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, creating characteristic mines. The specific epithet "sabaziae" suggests an association with plants in the genus Sabazia (Asteraceae). Very little published information exists on this species, and its biology, host range, and distribution remain poorly documented.
Liriomyza septentrionalis
Liriomyza septentrionalis is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Sehgal in 1968. The species is known from western North America, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, California, and Colorado. As a member of the genus Liriomyza, it is presumed to have leaf-mining larvae, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Liriomyza trifoliearum
Liriomyza trifoliearum is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1973. It belongs to a genus containing numerous economically significant agricultural pests, though this particular species is less documented than congeners such as L. trifolii and L. huidobrensis. The species is known from the United States.
Liriomyza trifolii
American serpentine leafminer, celery leafminer
Liriomyza trifolii is a small leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, native to the Caribbean and southeastern United States. It has become a globally distributed invasive pest of greenhouse and vegetable crops, recognized as one of the three most damaging leafminer species worldwide. The species is highly polyphagous, feeding on numerous ornamental and vegetable plants including chrysanthemums, celery, and tomatoes. Its spread has been facilitated by insecticide resistance and international trade in plant material.
Liriomyza valerianivora
Liriomyza valerianivora is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2018. The specific epithet 'valerianivora' indicates an association with Valeriana host plants. Like other Liriomyza species, it is likely a specialist leafminer whose larvae feed internally on leaf tissue. The species is part of a large genus containing numerous agricultural pests, though detailed biological information for this particular species remains limited.
Liriomyza venegasiae
Liriomyza venegasiae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. The species is known from California, USA, and is one of numerous Liriomyza species that create feeding tunnels (mines) within leaf tissue. Like other members of the genus, the larvae are internal feeders that mine between the upper and lower epidermis of leaves.
Liriomyza violivora
Liriomyza violivora is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, originally described by Spencer in 1986 under the genus Galiomyza before being transferred to Liriomyza. As a member of this genus, it is a small dipteran whose larvae create mines within leaf tissue. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, specifically Vermont.
Liriomyza zinniae
Liriomyza zinniae is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. The specific epithet 'zinniae' indicates an association with Zinnia host plants. Like other members of the genus Liriomyza, the larvae are leafminers that feed internally within leaf tissue. The species is part of a large genus containing numerous agricultural pests, though specific information about L. zinniae's economic impact appears limited in published literature.
Marmara gulosa
Citrus Peelminer
Marmara gulosa is a small gracillariid moth, approximately 4 mm in length, commonly known as the citrus peelminer. Native to the United States where it originally fed on willow (Salix lasiolepis), the species has undergone a documented host-shift to non-native plants including citrus varieties and ornamentals such as oleander. It is known from California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida, as well as Cuba. The species is of economic concern as a pest of citrus, particularly grapefruit in southwestern growing regions. A distinct species from the similar Marmara salictella, it was formally described in 2001.
Metriocnemus eurynotus
A small non-biting midge (Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) with larvae that feed on herbaceous plant material. The species has been documented as a leafminer of Impatiens cotyledons, initially mining fresh tissue before transitioning to external feeding. Larvae have also been found feeding within abandoned mines of Metriocnemus erythranthei on Veronica and on Petasites leaves. The species occurs across northern Europe and has been recorded from North America.
Monarthropalpus
boxwood leafminer gall midge
Monarthropalpus is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae. The genus contains at least one described species, M. flavus, commonly known as the boxwood leafminer. These small flies are native to Europe and were introduced to North America, where they have become significant pests of boxwood (Buxus spp.) ornamental plants. The larvae develop as leafminers within boxwood leaves, causing characteristic yellow-orange discoloration, blistering, and gall formation that disfigures foliage.
Monarthropalpus flavus
boxwood leafminer
A small gnat-like gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) native to Europe that is a significant pest of boxwood (Buxus spp.) in ornamental landscapes. Adults are delicate orange flies resembling mosquitoes. Females use a drill-like ovipositor to insert eggs into the undersides of young leaves. Larvae feed gregariously within leaf tissue, inducing rudimentary blister galls through hypertrophy and hyperplasia of spongy parenchyma. The species represents an evolutionary intermediate between leafminers and true gall inducers. First detected in the United States in 1910, it now causes serious damage to boxwood across the eastern U.S.
Nefusa ambigua
Violet Leafmining Sawfly
Nefusa ambigua, commonly known as the violet leafmining sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae are specialized leafminers that feed internally within the leaves of Viola species (violets). This species has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces and is known for its distinctive larval habit of creating mines within violet foliage.
Neochrysocharis
Neochrysocharis is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of leafmining insects, particularly agromyzid flies. Some species exhibit host-feeding behavior and possess both thelytokous (asexual) and arrhenotokous (sexual) reproductive strains. Multiple species have been evaluated as biological control agents for invasive leafminer pests in agricultural systems.
Neochrysocharis formosa
Neochrysocharis formosa is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae. It is a larval parasitoid of leafminers (Agromyzidae) and has been recorded as a parasitoid of Tuta absoluta (Gelechiidae) and Diprion pini (Diprionidae). The species exhibits host-feeding behavior and is widely used as a biological control agent in agricultural systems. Both thelytokous and arrhenotokous strains exist, with thelytokous strains showing superior biocontrol potential. Sex ratios are typically female-biased.
Odontota horni
soybean leafminer
Odontota horni is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the soybean leafminer. It is found across a broad swath of eastern and central North America, with records from 28 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The species is associated with leguminous host plants, including several Desmodium species, Tephrosia virginiana, and Glycine max (soybean), which gives it its common name.
Pegomya
Pegomya is a genus of flies in the family Anthomyiidae comprising diverse species with varied larval feeding strategies. Larvae exhibit leaf mining, stem boring, gall induction, seed feeding, and mycophagy. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including those attacking sugar beet, spinach, and cruciferous crops. Some species have been investigated for biological control of invasive plants.
Pholetesor
Pholetesor is a genus of microgastrine braconid wasps containing more than 50 described species, distributed primarily in the Holarctic region. The genus was established by Mason in 1981 and includes species previously placed in Teremys, which has been tentatively synonymized. All known species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of concealed-feeding Lepidoptera larvae, with the majority specializing on leafmining and needlemining species in families such as Gracillariidae.
Phthorimaea
Phthorimaea is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Edward Meyrick in 1902. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across the Americas and other regions. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth) and Phthorimaea absoluta (South American leafminer/tomato leafminer), which infest Solanaceae crops worldwide. The genus is characterized by its association with nightshade family plants and has been the subject of intensive research due to the invasive potential and management challenges posed by its pest species.
Phthorimaea operculella
potato tuber moth, tobacco splitworm
Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the potato tuber moth or tobacco splitworm, is a gelechiid moth and major agricultural pest of Solanaceae crops worldwide. The species is oligophagous, feeding primarily on potato tubers and foliage, but also attacks tomato, tobacco, eggplant, and pepper plants. Larval mining of tubers and leaves causes substantial economic damage, rendering potatoes unmarketable. The species has achieved near-global distribution, particularly in subtropical, tropical, and Mediterranean climates, and is subject to extensive integrated pest management efforts including biological control, cultural practices, and chemical interventions.
Phyllocnistis hyperpersea
Phyllocnistis hyperpersea is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Davis & Wagner in 2011. The species is notable for its distinctive leafmining behavior on Persea species, creating serpentine galleries on the upper leaf surface with an unusually broad median frass trail. Its specific name references this habit of mining on the upperside (hyper) of Persea leaves.
Phyllocnistis liquidambarisella
Phyllocnistis liquidambarisella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, specialized as a leafminer on sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua). The species creates distinctive, winding linear mines on the upper surface of host leaves, leaving an indistinct trail without a central frass line. It is known from the eastern and southern United States, with records spanning from New York to Florida and west to Texas.
Phyllocnistis subpersea
Phyllocnistis subpersea is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, described in 2011. Adults are tiny, with forewings measuring 2–2.7 mm. The species is a specialist leafminer on Persea borbonia, creating distinctive serpentine mines on the undersides of leaves. Its specific name references this sub-leaf mining habit. The species has a restricted known distribution in southeastern United States coastal regions.
Phyllocnistis vitifoliella
Phyllocnistis vitifoliella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is known from Québec and multiple U.S. states including Wisconsin, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Texas, Vermont, Kentucky, and Illinois. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are leafminers, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Phyllonorycter elmaella
western tentiform leafminer
Phyllonorycter elmaella, the western tentiform leafminer, is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is a documented pest of apple (Malus) in commercial orchards across western North America. Larvae create tentiform (blotch-shaped) mines within apple leaves, feeding between the upper and lower epidermis. The species serves as host to a diverse community of parasitoid wasps, with at least 14 species recorded, supporting natural biological control in orchard ecosystems.
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 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 pastinacae
Phytomyza pastinacae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species develops as a larva within the leaves of plants in the Apiaceae family, creating internal feeding galleries. It has been recorded across Europe, North America, and the Caucasus region.
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.