Virtual Exhibit on Canada's Biodiversity





back to order Diptera		 insect database

Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: nectar and pollen feeding
Immatures: phytophagous

Size: 1 to 8 mm
Flight : strong flier

North American
Species: 500

Diptera Agromyzidae
Leaf-miner flies

Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: reduced to halteres
Mouthparts: sponging
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified

Special Characteristics: Agromyzidae are small to very small flies usually blackish or yellowish in colour.

Comments: The larvae of Agromyzidae feed on living plant tissue. They are mostly leaf-miners but they attack all parts of the plant, including stems, seeds and roots.

Species:
Lyriomyza sp.

Common Name:

Feeding Habits: The larvae mine in the leaf-sheaths of several species of grasses.

Distribution:
Widespread in Canada.