The larvae of the fly Phytomyza bipunctata mine the leaves of Echinops species (Globe Thistles). The long, white mines have frass in long strips on alternate sides of the gallery.

See the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme webpage for this species for further details of puparium and adult insect.

ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023).  Phytomyza bipunctata. Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/phytomyza-bipunctata/ on 13/12/2023)

Leafmine   Adult

Leafmine: please provide a back-lit image of the leafmine and state the host plant.

Host plants: Globe Thistles (Echinops)

Click on the 'further details' link in the 'Description' section above.  Then click on the Phenology tab which will provide phenology details for both adult and larval stages.

Leafmines may be found from June to December.

Pupation usually outside of the mine.

In Britain this species is classed as Nationally Scarce A.

Warrington, B. P. 2022. A provisional review of the status of Agromyzidae in Great Britain & Northern Ireland

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland, but may be under recorded in our area.