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ALTHAEA. Marsh-mallows. [Malvaceae]

Two species of Althaea are recorded in Britain. These include the native Marsh-mallow (A. officinalis) and the introduced Rough Marsh-mallow (A. hirsuta). Other species, including Hollyhock (A. rosea), are cultivated. Rough Marsh-mallow (A. hirsuta) is protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Two polyphagous dipterous miners, the agromyzids Chromatomyia horticola and Liriomyza strigata, are recorded in Britain on Althaea. Both also occur on Sidalcea and one of these also on Lavatera and Malva. The agromyzids Liriomyza huidobrensis and Liriomyza sativae, polyphagous pest species of ornamental and vegetable crops occasionally intercepted at UK points of entry, are recorded on Althaea. Liriomyza huidobrensis has been found under glass in England and Wales. All populations have been and continue to be eradicated. Elsewhere, in addition to the polyphagous agromyzids Chromatomyia horticola and Liriomyza strigata, the polyphagous agromyzids Liriomyza huidobrensis and Liriomyza sativae are recorded mining Althaea. No non-dipterous miners are recorded on Althaea in Britain.

Key for the identification of the known Diptera mines in Britain.

1> Mine linear, whitish, both upper and lower surface. Pupation internal, at the end of the mine, with the anterior spiracles projecting through the epidermis. Puparium whitish Mine of Chromatomyia horticola on Papaver rhoeas. Image: Willem Ellis (Source: Nederlandse bladmineerders) Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) [Agromyzidae]. -> A distinctive mine primarily above mid-rib, with irregular short lateral offshoots into leaf blade. Pupation external.     Mines of Liriomyza strigata on Sonchus. Image: Crown copyright - courtesy of CSL Liriomyza strigata (Meigen) [Agromyzidae].

Last updated 22-Mar-2008  Brian Pitkin

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