PEST

NAME
Pittosporum Leafminer
Phytoliriomyza pittosporphylli

ORDER
Diptera

FAMILY
Agromyzidae

Description of the Pest
The adult`s flies are up to 3mm long and the larvae are even smaller. Larvae have modified chewing mouth parts.

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
A common pest in coastal temperate and subtropical areas, in the east coast of Australia.

Life Cycle
This insect has a Holometabolouslife cycle, ie. When metamorphosisis observed during the pupalstage.
Larvae pupate inside their mines.

Period of Activity
The lava is most active during the warmer months but the damage can be seen throughout the year.

Damage Caused
Larvae burrow into the leaves around the mid vein feeding between the epidermal layers. Mined areas appear as sunken brown patches on the leaves. Leaves are unsightly, but the plant is not usually damaged by larval activity.

               

Susceptible Plants
Pittosporumspecies, especially P. undulatum are the normal hosts.

Leaf Underside
Cultural Control
Rarely necessary; some species of pittosporum are more resistant.

BiologicalControl
None known.

Chemical Control
Not normally required.