The larvae of the fly Phytomyza fallaciosa mine the leaves of various members of the Buttercup family (Ranunculus). A brown blotch is eventually formed, without green patches. Primary and secondary feeding lines are generally clear. Pupation occurs within the mine.

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

Phytomyza notata / Phytomyza ranunculicola / Phytomyza rydeni

ref.: Warrington, B.P. (2023).  Phytomyza fallaciosa. Accessed at https://agromyzidae.co.uk/species/agromyzidae/phytomyzinae/phytomyza/ph… 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: Please provide a back-lit image of the leafmine and state the host plant.  Include images of the larva or pupa, if present.

Wherever the larval foodplants 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.

Leafmines may be found between September and November.

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

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.