| Leaf-miner flies | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Hexapoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Subclass: | Pterygota |
| Infraclass: | Neoptera |
| Superorder: | Endopterygota |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Suborder: | Brachycera |
| Infraorder: | Muscomorpha |
| Section: | Schizophora |
| Subsection: | Acalyptratae |
| Superfamily: | Opomyzoidea |
| Family: | Agromyzidae |
| Sub Families | |
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The family Agromyzidae is commonly referred to as the leaf-miner flies, for the feeding habit of larvae, most of which are leaf miners on various plants.
A worldwide family of approximately 2,500 species.The species are small, some with wing length of 1 mm. The maximum size is 6.5 mm. Most species are in the range of 2 to 3 mm.
Adult agromyzids can be recognized by the distinctive sclerotization of the head. The upper part of the frons, above the ptilinal suture (known as the frontal vitta) is lightly sclerotized and lacks setae, while the lower part of the frons and the dorsal area of the head tends to be much more heavily sclerotized and setaceous. Thus the frontal vitta often forms a distinctive patch on the head, different in colour and texture to the rest of the head. The compound eyes are usually oval and fairly small although in some species they are larger and more circular.
The wings are usually hyaline although those of a few tropical species have darker markings. A few species, including all Agromyza spp, are capable of stridulation, possessing a "file" on the first abdominal segment and a "scraper" on the hind femur.
Agromyzidae larvae are phytophagous, feeding as leaf miners, less frequently as stem miners or stem borers. A few live on developing seeds, or produce galls. The biology of many species is as yet unknown. There is a high degree of host specificity, an example being Phytomyza ilicis, the Holly leaf miner that feeds on no other species.
A number of species attack plants of agricultural or ornamental value, and are therefore considered pests.
Literature