Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Clematis shoot mining Diptera
Posted by Thomas Brand on 01-08-2012 14:23
#1
Hello,
in a Clematis producing nursery, there is a problem with dying shoot tips. During our investigations we found shoot mines with frass, one pupa and one dead young imago, which did not make it out of the shoot. The mines go from a node near the shoot tip downwards. Pictures below.
I guess it is a Syrphidae, however, there is no information available in the literature I checked about any Diptera harmful to Clematis.
Is there a chance for identification and information on the life cycle?
Thanks in advance
Thomas
Edited by Thomas Brand on 01-08-2012 14:23
Posted by Thomas Brand on 01-08-2012 14:25
#2
Photo 2
Edited by Thomas Brand on 01-08-2012 14:28
Posted by Thomas Brand on 01-08-2012 14:28
#3
Photo 3
Posted by Tony Irwin on 01-08-2012 15:24
#4
I think this is more likely to be an agromyzid - there is a species,
Ptochomyza mayeri, that starts by mining the leaves of Clematis, but ends up as a stem borer.
Posted by Thomas Brand on 01-08-2012 16:20
#5
Thank you Tony for your reply.
However, there is not a single leaf mine visible. The mine starts in a node (I presume oviposition takes place at or in the node), the larva feeds downwards, bites an opening and pupate within the stem. Teh adult emerges through the whole. Just a guess from what I have seen ...
I could find many dying shoot tips, some mines with frass, few wholes and only one pupa and one dead imago.
regards
Thomas