The larva of the fly Phytomyza conyzae mines the leaves of various Fleabanes, including Common Fleabane. The mine can be either an upper or lower surface corridor, often located by the midrib. Frass often appears in in pearl strings. The mine initially starts pale but soon becomes darker.

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

Chromatomyia horticola/syngenesiae

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

Leafmine Adult

Leafmine: Please provide a back-lit image of the mine and state the host plant.

Where the host plants (Fleabanes) 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.

The leafmines can be found in most months, but mainly between June and September.

In Britain this species is fairly widespread but quite local.

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

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.