Melanagromyza pubescens

Family

Subfamily

Genus

Species

Melanagromyza pubescens Hendel, 1923

Mine

N/A. Almost certainly an internal stem-borer associated with the lower parts of the plant.

Host Plants

• Artemisia

Confusion Species

Melanagromyza oligophaga.

Recording Grade

5

National Status

pRDB 1.

Puparium

Unknown; type material and known reared specimens do not have an associated puparium present.

Adult

Head: Frons 2.0x as wide as eye, orbits distinctly projecting above eye in profile, more so at level of lunule, with 2 strong ors, 2 ori, frequently a third ori is present. Orbital setulae sparse, in 1 or 2 rows, reclinate. Eye bare in both sexes. Gena deeper in centre below eye, 0.25-0.33x as high as eye. Cheek forming distinct ring below eye. Orbits rather narrow; lunule broad, slightly higher than semi-circle, sometimes with a slight central furrow. Ocellar triangle normal, reaching to lower ors. Third antennal segment small, rounded (slightly longer than broad) with distinct pubescence, equal to diameter of basal section of arista. Clypeus slightly truncated.
Mesonotum: 2 strong dc; acr in 8-10 rows, reducing to 2-4 at level of first dc. No setulae detected on or at the side of the scutellum.
Wing: Hyaline, all veins brown. Ultimate section of vein M₄ 0.70 (average) that of the penultimate. Costal sections (2-4) with an average ratio of 100:28:22. Length 2.6-2.7 mm in male, 3.0-3.2 mm in female.
Colour: Frons distinctly matt, black, orbits similar, ocellar triangle weakly shining. Lunule slightly lighter than frons. Gena blackish-brown, palpi black. Mesonotum and abdomen weakly shining, black with slight coppery tone. Calypter greyish, margin dark brown to black, fringe dark brown to black (frequently becoming paler distally). Legs brownish-black with 2 weak posterolateral setae on mid tibia.
Male genitalia: Surstylus possessing a few long setae and several spines on inner surface; basiphallus ring-like or U-shaped, with long membranous appendage reaching to distal tubules; mesophallus stout, with distinct spiculae; dorsal lobes of distiphallus with distinct gap between upper and anterior part; distal tubule long, forming distinct U-shape.
Female genitalia: Egg guide, rounded apically, 4.3x as long as maximum width, medial membrane with numerous sensilla on inner basal half, with a group of stronger sensilla apically, situated more towards outer margin.