.jpg&width=800)
Phytomyza opacae
ExploreInsects
Phytomyza opacae
Phytomyza opacae
Phytomyza opacae is a tiny insect that loves to munch on plants. It makes little tunnels in leaves, which can look like tiny paths. These insects are very small and often go unnoticed!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Phytomyza opacae is a very small fly, typically dull grey to yellowish-brown with clear wings. Its larvae are tiny, pale maggots that are rarely seen, as they live hidden within plant leaves, making distinctive tunnels.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyAgromyzidaeGenusPhytomyza
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Even though they are flies, these insects get all their food as larvae by eating plant insides!
Female Phytomyza opacae use a sharp tube to pierce leaves and lay their tiny eggs inside.
Some plants try to fight back against these miners by growing extra cells to trap them!
The zig-zag trails you see on leaves are actually tunnels made by tiny Phytomyza opacae larvae!
Special abilities
Ability
Leaf Art Creator
Phytomyza opacae can create intricate patterns on leaves because its larvae tunnel through plant tissue, leaving behind unique 'leaf mines'.
Ability
Leaf Fortress Builder
Phytomyza opacae has larvae that live entirely inside plant leaves that helps them stay hidden from birds and other hungry predators.
Ability
Plant Decoder
Phytomyza opacae can find specific host plants because of its sensitive antennae that help detect the right chemical signals for egg-laying.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 3-7 mm
- Size
- 1.5-3.5 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-21 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Tiny larvae munch on leaf insides, while adults might sip nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Yes, larvae feed on internal leaf tissue, while adults may feed on nectar or not at all.
Primary Foods
- Cirsium arvense
- Arctium minus
- Sonchus oleraceus
- Lactuca serriola
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Creeping Thistle
Cirsium arvense
Larvae mine tunnels inside its leaves for food.
eats
Common Burdock
Arctium minus
Its leaves are a common food source for larvae.
parasitizes
Parasitic Wasp
Dacnusa dryas
This tiny wasp lays its eggs inside the Phytomyza larvae.
eaten by
%2C_Parc_de_Woluw%C3%A9%2C_Brussels_(13042792905).jpg&width=800)
Great Tit
Parus major
Birds sometimes peck larvae out of their leaf mines.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch insects without asking an adult first, as some can bite or sting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phytomyza opacae's wingspan?
3-7 mm
How big is Phytomyza opacae?
1.5-3.5 mm
How long does Phytomyza opacae live?
7-21 days
What does Phytomyza opacae eat?
Tiny larvae munch on leaf insides, while adults might sip nectar from flowers.
Where is Phytomyza opacae usually found?
Urban areas
How does Phytomyza opacae hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Phytomyza opacae have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
