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CENTRANTHUS. Valerians. [Valerianaceae]

Three species of Centranthus are recorded in Britain - Annual Valerian (C. calcitrapae), Spanish Valerian (C. macrosiphon) and Red Valerian (C. ruber). All are introduced. Three dipterous miners, the agromyzids Chromatomyia horticola, Liriomyza strigata, and Liriomyza valerianae, are recorded on Centranthus and Valeriana in Britain. A single key is provide to the mines of both host genera. The agromyzid Liriomyza trifolii, a polyphagous pest species of ornamental and vegetable crops occasionally intercepted at UK points of entry, is recorded on Centranthus and has been found under glass in England and Wales. All populations have been and continue to be eradicated. Elsewhere the polyphagous agromyzids Chromatomyia horticola, Liriomyza bryoniae and Liriomyza trifolii are recorded mining Centranthus. No non-dipterous miners are recorded on Centranthus in Britain.

Red Valerian - Centranthus ruber

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

1> Mine primarily associated with mid-rib, A distinctive mine, 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]. -> Mine not primarily associated with mid-rib. 2. 2> 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]. -> An irregular linear mine, which frequently follows the leaf margin, with conspicuous black frass. Mine of Liriomyza valerianae on Valeriana officinalis. Images: Willem Ellis (Source: Nederlandse bladmineerders) Liriomyza valerianae Hendel [Agromyzidae].

Last updated 13-Mar-2008  Brian Pitkin