The larvae of the Agromyzid fly Phytomyza marginella produce a corridor mine in the leaves of various plants, including Dandelion. The early mine is long and narrow and on the lower-surface, and is often inconspicuous. The later mine is upper-surface and is usually much shorter and also widens abruptly. 

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

Chromatomyia farfarella / Chromatomyia horticola / Chromatomyia syngenesiae /  / Liriomyza erucifolii / Liriomyza latigenis / Phytomyza alpina / Phytomyza erigerophila

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

Leafmine Adult

Leafmine: Please include a back-lit image showing frass patterns and also state the host plant.

Wherever any of the host species occur.

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.

Although leafmines have been recorded in most months of the year, June and July are probably the peak months.

Larva may be present between June and October. Pupation outside the mine.

In Britain this species is classed as Nationally Scarce B.

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

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.