Phytomyza tiarellae
ExploreInsects
Phytomyza tiarellae
Phytomyza tiarellae
Phytomyza tiarellae is a tiny insect that loves to munch on plants. These little creatures are often found in gardens and can be tricky to spot because they are so small!
Habitat: Gardens
Appearance
The Phytomyza tiarellae is a tiny, dark-bodied fly, typically black or dark grey, with clear wings and sometimes yellowish markings on its head or thorax. Its small size, often just 1-3 millimeters long, makes it hard to spot among foliage.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyAgromyzidaeGenusPhytomyza
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even though they're flies, adults are too small to bite you!
Their babies are tiny engineers, carving twisty tunnels inside leaves!
They are named after Tiarella plants, their favorite home and food!
They lay their eggs hidden deep within plant tissue to protect them.
Special abilities
Ability
Leafy Labyrinth Creator
Phytomyza tiarellae larvae can tunnel within plant leaves because of their chewing mouthparts that help them feed and hide.
Ability
Host Plant Whisperer
Phytomyza tiarellae has specific chemical sensors that help them find and lay eggs only on certain Tiarella plants.
Ability
Living Fort Builder
Phytomyza tiarellae larvae can live safely inside plant leaves that helps them hide from predators and harsh weather.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 2-5 mm
- Size
- 1-3 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-50 days
- Flight Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae munch on plant leaves from the inside, while adults feed on sweet nectar.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves from the inside, but adults drink nectar or plant sap.
Primary Foods
- Tiarella cordifolia leaves
- Tiarella trifoliata leaves
- Tiarella unifoliata leaves
- Nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Foamflower
Tiarella cordifolia
Larvae tunnel and feed within its leaves.
eaten by
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
Forages on leaves for small insects and larvae.
eaten by
Crab Spider
Misumena vatia
Ambushes small insects on flowers and leaves.
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
It's best to look at insects from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phytomyza tiarellae's wingspan?
2-5 mm
How big is Phytomyza tiarellae?
1-3 mm
How long does Phytomyza tiarellae live?
30-50 days
How fast can Phytomyza tiarellae fly?
0.5 km/h
What does Phytomyza tiarellae eat?
Larvae munch on plant leaves from the inside, while adults feed on sweet nectar.
Where is Phytomyza tiarellae usually found?
Gardens
How does Phytomyza tiarellae hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Phytomyza tiarellae have?
6
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