Liriomyza braziliensis (Frost, 1939)
Closely related to Liriomyza quadrata but considerably larger (Spencer, 1973).
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
Adults
Wing length: 3.3 - 3.7 mm. Rather large Liriomyza with centrally yellow scutellum, scutellum dark around outer scutellar bristles. Mesonotum centrally near to scutellum with a yellow spot of approximately the same size as yellow area of scutellum.
Male genitalia
Surstyli elongated with long hairs and bristles.
Immature stages
Posterior spiracles of larva each with 3 pores, puparium dark brown, deeply segmented.
BIONOMICS
Larvae mining on the surface of the potato tubers. Pupation takes place in the mine. Oviposition site unknown (Spencer, 1973).
HOST PLANTS
Solanum tuberosum L. (white potato, Solanum andigenum Juz. and Buk.)
DISTRIBUTION
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
The pest status is not clear. In any case the damage of the miners on individual potatoes should be limited because the larvae always remain on the surface. Normally the mines will be removed by peeling the potato.