The larvae of the Agromyzid fly Phytomyza ilicis mine the leaves of Holly.

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

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

None

Leafmine Adult

Leafmine: please include a photograph and state the host plant.

Host plant: Holly

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 can be found in all months of the year.

Phytomyza ilicis lays its eggs in May or June, at the base of the petiole of a young leaf (on the underside). Larva initially feeds in mid-rib, later producing characteristic irregular upper surface linear-blotch. Pupation is internal.

Common and widespread in Britain.

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

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland

Previously it was thought that there may be other species producing similar mines so records were placed within an aggregate, however recent research has shown that in the UK Phytomyza ilicis is the only species mining Holly. (see the National Agromyzidae Recording Scheme January 2021 newsletter , B Warrington)