Stem interior feeder (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Aralia [0071]
| Order | Diptera |
|---|---|
| Family | Agromyzidae [P,A] |
| Lower taxon | cf. Melanagromyza |
| No. spp. involved | One confirmed [1-C] |
| Feeding mode | Stem interior feeder |
| Host plant | Spikenard, Aralia racemosa (Araliaceae) |
The bright golden puparia of this large agromyzid species may be found in the pith of dead stems of the host in winter or early spring. Adults were reared along with ichneumonoid parasitoids. Judging by the position of some puparia partly buried within the remains of the stem interior tissue, the larvae probably tunnel in the tissue but could conceivably also graze on the lining of any hollow areas within the stem.
IMG#: 0071-01
Multiple puparia in the pith of a dead stem of the host in winter.
IMG#: 0071-02
Detail, puparium embedded in pith. Note the shreddings -- a byproduct of the final-instar larva preparing the exit tunnel through which the adult will eventually emerge.
IMG#: 0071-03
Several puparia removed from the pith.
IMG#: 0071-04
Detail, posteriors of several puparia, showing darkened spiracular areas with short horns.
IMG#: 0071-05
Detail of spiracular area on the posterior of a puparium.
IMG#: 0071-06
Reared adult male, lateral.
IMG#: 0071-07
Reared adult male, dorsolateral.
IMG#: 0071-08
Reared adult male, lateral.
IMG#: 0071-09
Reared adult male, lateral.
IMG#: 0071-10
Reared adult male, dorsal.Specimen data for images
Field photo taken 04/19/21 (01); coll. 04/19/21 (02-05); coll. 01/10/22, em. 03/30/22 (06-10, all showing the same individual).
References
[none]
Page created 08/18/23. Last update: 11/19/24