Ophiomyia orbiculata (Hendel, 1931)
As indicated by the male genitalia, this European species is closely related to the tropical Ophiomyia centrosematis (Spencer, 1973).
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
Adults
Wing length: 2 - 2.5 mm. O. orbiculata is characterized by a strongly variable size of dorsocentral bristles. In the past the variability led to confusions and repeated descriptions of the same species (Spencer, 1973).
Male terminalia
Among European species the aedeagus is of distinct shape.
Immature stages
Left mandible of larva much larger than the right one, each mandible has only one mouth hook. Anterior spiracles on distinct stalks, posterior spiracles with 17-22 bulbs (Spencer, 1973).
BIONOMICS
No detailed information available. Spencer, 1973 guessed the eggs were laid into lower leaves and the hatching larvae mine immediately into the stems, where they feed near the outer tissue.
HOST PLANTS
Pisum sativum L. and probably Vicia spp.
DISTRIBUTION
Europe, known from Austria, England, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Russia: Moscow area (Spencer, 1973).
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
A potential pest on Pisum, although actual economic damage has never been reported. Spencer, 1973 observed that the species can stunt the growth of their host plants.