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LINUM. Flax. [Linaceae]

Ten species of Linum are recorded in Britain. These include the native Fairy Flax (L. catharticum), Pale Flax (L. bienne) and Perennial Flax (L. perenne). Two dipterous miners, the polyphagous agromyzids Chromatomyia horticola and Liriomyza strigata, are recorded on Linum in Britain. The agromyzid Liriomyza huidobrensis, a pest species of ornamental and vegetable crops occasionally intercepted at UK points of entry, is recorded on Linum. The species has been found under glass in England and Wales. All populations have been and continue to be eradicated. Elsewhere the agromyzids Liriomyza huidobrensis, Liriomyza strigata and Napomyza lateralis are recorded mining Linum. No non-dipterous miners are recorded on Linum in Britain.

Flax - Linum usitatissimum

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. Puparium whitish, anterior spiracles projecting through the epidermis. 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 23-Sep-2008  Brian Pitkin

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