The larvae of the fly Chromatomyia scolopendri mine the leaves of the ferns: Hart's-tongue, Wall-rue and Polypody. They form long, narrow mines (up to 10cms) which often follow a vein. The mines are normally greenish and upper surface. Pupation is usually in the mine.

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

Phytoliriomyza hilarella and Phytoliriomyza pteridii

ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023).  Chromatomyia scolopendri. Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/chromatomyia… on 13/12/2023).

Leafmine Adult  

Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. 

Leafmine: Photographs required showing the leafmine and also state the host species.

Host plants: Hart's-tongue, Wall-rue and Polypody

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.

The larval leafmines can be found in most months of the year.

Local in Britain. Most records seem to be from Wales and the south-west of England.

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

Local in Leicestershire and Rutland.

http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Diptera/C.scolopendri.htm

https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/diptera/brachycera/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/chromatomyia/chromatomyia-scolopendri/