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 Holometabolous life cycle, ie. When metamorphosis is observed during the pupal stage.
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
Pittosporum species, especially P. undulatum are the normal hosts.

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

Biological Control
None known.

Chemical Control
Not normally required.