Leaf Miner
Liriomyza spp., Agromyzidae
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameLeaf Miner
DescriptionTiny fly larvae that tunnel between leaf surfaces creating winding trails. The tunnels appear as white or tan squiggly lines on leaves.
TypeInsect
FamilyAgromyzidae
GenusLiriomyza
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderDiptera
SubfamilyPhytomyzinae
Features
- Named 'leaf miner' because larvae mine or tunnel between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, feeding on internal leaf tissue
- Adults are small black and yellow flies measuring 1.5-3 mm long. Larvae are tiny yellowish maggots that are nearly transparent. Create characteristic serpentine trails in leaves
- Larvae tunnel through leaf tissue between upper and lower epidermis, consuming cells as they move. Adults puncture leaves to feed and lay eggs
- Create winding, serpentine white or tan trails visible on leaf surfaces. Trails widen as larvae grow. Heavy infestations cause leaves to yellow, drop prematurely, and reduce plant vigor
- Adults lay eggs inside leaf tissue. Larvae hatch and mine for 4-6 days through 3-4 instars. Pupate in soil or on leaves. Complete lifecycle in 21-28 days. Multiple overlapping generations per year
- Adult flies measure 1.5-3 mm long. Larvae grow to 2-3 mm long. Eggs are microscopic, about 0.2 mm
- Thrive in warm weather with temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Most active in spring and summer. Can produce 10 generations per year in warm climates
- Attack spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, beets, celery, tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, melons, citrus, chrysanthemums, and many ornamental plants
- Prevent by using row covers, removing infested leaves promptly, rotating crops, tilling soil after harvest, keeping garden weed-free, and using yellow sticky traps to monitor adults
- Natural predators include parasitic wasps (Diglyphus, Chrysocharis), lacewings, and beneficial nematodes. Remove and destroy mined leaves. Treat with neem oil or spinosad. Squeeze leaves to crush larvae inside tunnels
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificLiriomyza spp., Agromyzidae
English (Alternate)Serpentine leaf miner, Vegetable leaf miner, Leaf mining fly
Hindiपत्ती खनक (Patti Khanak)
Tamilஇலை சுரங்கப்புழு (Ilai surangappuzhu)
Teluguఆకు తవ్వే పురుగు (Aaku tavve purugu)
Malayalamഇല ഖനനം (Ila khananaṁ)
Kannadaಎಲೆ ಗಣಿಗಾರ (Ele gaṇigāra)
Sanskritपत्र-खननकीट (Patra-khananakīṭa)
Bengaliপাতা খনক (Pata Khanak)
Frenchmineuse des feuilles
Russianминирующая муха (miniruyushchaya mukha)
Spanishminador de hojas, mosca minadora
GermanMinierfliege
