Host plants and biogeography of Liriomyza brassicae and L. trifolii and new record of L. COMMELINAE (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Mexico

Abstract

All species of Agromyzidae are phytophagous. Most larvae of the genus Liriomyza Mik mine leaves in their host plants. The aim of this work was to study and update the damage to some of their host plants, as well as study their new geographical distribution records and provide taxonomic characteristics for the identification of Liriomyza brassicae (Riley), Liriomyza commelinae (Frost), and Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess). The collection sites were located in the states of Mexico, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. From April 2011 to November 2013, leaves with larvae or pupae, and adults using nets, were collected. It was confirmed that Liriomyza brassicae make different patterns in their mines on Lantana camara, and Tropaeolum sp. Liriomyza commelinae presents a new record for Mexico, and the characteristics of its mines on Commelina diffusa are presented. Liriomyza trifolii extends its distribution into areas of the Papaloapan River basin in Oaxaca, and is recognized as a potential pest associated with the chili pepper variety 'Soledad'.