Food Plant: Allium porrum (Leeks), A.cepa (Onion), A.sativum (Garlic), A. schoenoprasum (Chives)

Mine: March-June: Sept-Nov

Notes: The female flies feed on the sap in the leaves and leave distinctive lines of feeding punctures as white dots. The white larvae initially make small mines in the leaf ( the external signs of this are shown) and then tunnel into it, which causes splitting of the leaf. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections often then follow. Orange brown puparia (3-4mm long) are formed towards the leaf bases. First discovered in Wolverhampton in 2002 and has spread in the UK since. In Europe it is considered a serious economic pest of Leeks and Alliums

Data: 17.xi.2022, ex mine 13.xi.2022, Skillington, South Lincolnshire, VC53, Claire Edmunds

Image:© Rob Edmunds