The leaf and stem  mines of British flies and other insects by Brian Pitkin, Willem Ellis, Colin Plant and Rob Edmunds


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ILEX. Holly. [Aquifoliaceae]


Only one native species of Ilex is recorded in Britain - Holly (I. aquifolium). Highclere Holly (I. x altaclerensis) and Horned Holly (I. cornuta) are introduced.

Only one dipterous miner, the agromyzid Phytomyza ilicis, is recorded on Ilex in Britain and elsewhere.

No non-dipterous miners are recorded on Ilex in Britain.

Holly - Ilex aquifolium Image:  Brian Pitkin
Holly - Ilex aquifolium



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




1>Leaf-mine. Oviposition takes place at the base of the petiole in a young leaf. Larva initially feeds in mid-rib, later producing characteristic irregular upper surface linear-blotch. Pupation internal.

Mine of Aulagromyza_sp_on_Lonicera © Brian Pitkin Mine of Aulagromyza_sp_on_Lonicera © Brian Pitkin Mine of Aulagromyza_sp_on_Lonicera © Brian Pitkin
Mines of Phytomyza ilicis on Ilex aquifolium.
Images: Brian Pitkin

Phytomyza ilicis Curtis [Agromyzidae].


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Last updated 30-Jul-2008  Brian Pitkin

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