Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #151350
Title: PLANT HOST AFFILIATION AND REDESCRIPTION OF PHYTOMYZA SUBTENELLA FROST (DIPTERA: AGROMYZIDAE)

Author
item GAIMARI, STEPHEN - CALIF.DEPT OF FOOD AND AG
item ADLER, LYNN - VIRGINIA TECH
item Scheffer, Sonja

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/20/2003
Publication Date: 1/20/2004
Citation: Gaimari, S.D., Adler, L.S., Scheffer, S.J. 2004. Plant host affiliation and redescription of phytomyza subtenella frost (diptera: agromyzidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 106: 501-507

Interpretive Summary: Leafmining flies are responsible for millions of dollars of losses to U.S. farmers and horticulturists each year. This paper provides the first host record for a leafminer that attacks the seeds of Indian paintbrush. New biological and ecological information on this leafminer is provided. The male genitalia are figured to enable species identification by other scientists. We discuss close relatives of this leafminer and the hosts they are known to attack, including lupines. This information will be of interest to entomologists, ecologists, and horticulturists.

Technical Abstract: The biology of Phytomyza subtenella Frost (Diptera: Agromyzidae) was observed for the first time. This species was found to be a seed feeder on the hemiparasitic Indian paintbrush, Castilleja miniata Douglas (Orobanchaceae), in Colorado. Biological observations are provided, along with a redescription of the species and illustrations of the male genitalia. Additionally, the 17 orobanch-feeding agromyzids are discussed, along with comments on several possible lineages, based on similarities of male genitalia, within the 13 orobanch-feeding Phytomyza.