Cerodontha (Poemyza) orbitona (Spencer, 1960)
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
Adults
Wing length: 1.9 - 2.2 mm. The species can be distinguished from most other Cerodontha species by the highly elongated aedeagus and the very broad yellow frontorbits. The narrow frons between the frontorbits is usually darker, light or dark brown. Notopleuron normally yellow. However, body coloration can be generally variable.
Immature stages
Bulbs of posterior spiracles partly highly modified (Cer orbitona puparium Sp.pct).
BIONOMICS
According to Spencer, 1973, the mine is narrow and situated on the upper part of young leaves. Pupation takes place externally.
HOST PLANTS
Oryza sativa (rice), Zea mays (maize), Hyparrhenia cymbaria and probably other wild grasses (Spencer, 1985).
DISTRIBUTION
Known from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria.
BMNH: Reunion, Kenya (in BMNH as oryzivora: Sierra Leone).
Wide distribution in South, West and East Africa with its range extending to the Indian Ocean. (Spencer, 1985).
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
As far as known, only a potential pest of rice.