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THALICTRUM. Meadow Rues. [Ranunculaceae]

Eight species of Thalictrum are recorded in Britain. These include the native Alpine Meadow-rue (T. alpinum), Common Meadow-rue (T. flavum) and Lesser Meadow-rue (T. minus). Three dipterous miners, the agromyzids Ophiomyia aquilegiana, Phytomyza aquilegiae and Phytomyza minuscula, are recorded on Thalictrum in Britain. Elsewhere the agromyzids Phytomyza aquilegiae and Phytomyza minuscula are recorded mining Thalictrum. No non-dipterous miners are recorded on Thalictrum in Britain.

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

1>Stem-miner. Larva forming an external stem mine, with widely spaced grains of black frass. Pupation takes place at the end of the mine. Puparium black Ophiomyia aquilegiana Lundquist [Agromyzidae]. ->Leaf-miner. Larva forming short, irregular white linear mine, with frass in conspicuous black strips. Pupation external, normally adhering to the leaf near the end of the mine until dislodged by rain or wind. Puparium reddish-brown (orange) Mine of Phytomyza minuscula on Aquilegia vulgaris. Image: Brian Pitkin Phytomyza minuscula Goureau [Agromyzidae]. -> Leaf-miner. Larva forms large primary blotch, sometimes several larvae feeding together with frass scattered irregularly throughout the mine; leaves often being largely destroyed and the plants suffering considerable damage (Spencer, 1976: 380, 381 (fig. 663A)). The mine is illustrated in British leafminers and Nederlandse bladmineerders. Mines of Phytomyza aquilegiae on Aquilegia vulgaris. Image: Willem Ellis (Source: Nederlandse bladmineerders) Phytomyza aquilegiae Hardy [Agromyzidae].

Last updated 01-Oct-2008  Brian Pitkin

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