Liriomyza chenopodii (Watt, 1924)
Readily distinguishable from Liriomyza caulophaga which occurs partly on the same host plants. Distinctive are the small size; the rounded third antennal segment and the male genitalia.
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
Adults
Wing length: 1.3 - 1.6 mm. Only three frontorbital bristles. Frons wider than eye (measured from dorsally). Crossvein m-m of wing lacking.
Male terminalia
Aedeagus rather strong, basiphallus with very narrow basal part, distal part conspicuously widened, basal bubble of distiphallus well developed, apical part of distiphallus thick and well sclerotized with two hyaline terminal tubules, which are a bit shorter than the sclerotized part. They are clearly longer than in cepae and chinensis.
Tip of epandrium pointed with a single apical spine; surstyli with one apical spine and some short hairs.
Ejaculatory apodeme rather large, only weakly asymmetrical.
Immature stages
Larval cephalopharyngeal skeleton strong, mandibles with four mouth hooks, slightly alternating. Posterior spiracles with the ancient arrangement of 3 bulbs. Anterior spiracles with about 4-5 bulbs.
BIONOMICS
Larvae cause narrow linear leaf mines, sometimes winding. They are mainly on the upper surface of the leaf. The morphology of the larval mouthparts suggests that also the midribs of the leaves and the stems can be used as food source. Pupariation occurs in the soil.
HOST PLANTS (after Spencer, 1973)
Beta vulgaris (Silver beet), Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach), Cheiranthus cheiri L., also Cerastium glomeratum Thuil., C. vulgatum L., Chenopodium album L., Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm., Stellaria media (L.) Vill.
DISTRIBUTION
Australia, New Zealand.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
No damage reported.