This is a small grey/black fly whose larvae mine the leaves of several plants, but especially Aquilegias, forming a white, linear corridor which may then form a secondary blotch. There are often several mines per leaf.

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

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

Leafmine   Adult

Leafmine: Please provide a back-lit image showing the frass and also add a note of the host plant.

Often in gardens where Aquilegias are grown.

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 between May and November.

Pupation external, normally adhering to the leaf near the end of the mine until dislodged by rain or wind.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

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

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.