Melanagromyza Hendel, 1920
The genus Melanagromyza belongs to the Ophiomyia-group (Tribe Ophiomyiini). Further descriptions especially about the external morphology and the male genitalia can be found there. Melanagromyza most probably is a monophyletic group that mainly can be characterized by larval characters.
Immature stages
Facial mask of larva with distinct broad facial sclerites (normally visible without macerating the larva) but lateral sensual organs not pigmented as in most Genus Ophiomyia (Mel lappae ceph.pct, Mel lappae ceph nat.pct).
Posterior spiracles with distinct, normally sclerotized central hornMel lappae Larva1 SEM.pct. The spiracular bulbs are arranged in a circle surrounding the central horn. Sometimes the horn may be less sclerotized but normally still present (e.g. Mel sojae larva Sp.pct. However, in some cases the central horn cannot be found (e.g. Mel dolichos puparium Sp.pct). The cuticle of the third larval instar is in all well-studied species characteristically folded as shown in Mel lappae Larva2 SEM.pct. This is equally visible in fresh larvae, dried larvae and puparia.
Additional useful larval characters, which are, however, also occurring in other groups: Mandibles strong, highly asymmetrical with the left larger than the right. Dorsal bridge of cephalopharyngeal skeleton is missing or strongly reduced. Pupariation takes place within the host plant. Body of stem mining Melanagromyza rather long and slender (Melanagromyza larva.pct), but certainly not as long as larvae of the Genus Phytobia.
Adults
The adults are similar to the related genera Japanagromyza, Ophiomyia, Hexomyza and Tropicomyia. They share the following characters: Ocellar triangle large and well separated from frons (also found elsewhere); body and halteres black (always occurring in the Ophiomyiini).
Abdomen and mesonotum blue or greenish shining (sometimes also found in Japanagromyza and Tropicomyia). Only two dorsocentral bristles present on mesonotum. They are in postsutural position.
The male genitalia are matching the general description of Ophiomyiini: Apical part of the basiphallus hyaline, with thin, symmetrical side arms. Apical part of distiphallus normally light brown, matching the general description of Ophiomyiini. Subbasal vesicae usually close to basal vesica (Mel sojae aedeagus.pct).
Bionomics
Most species feed in the stem piths, some occur in seed heads, a small number of species are mining in thick stem-like leaves of (Agavaceae).
Distribution
Worldwide, but with highest diversity can be found in the tropics.