Pea Leafminer

Agromyzid flies of the genus Liriomyza in Florida are small (1.5-2.0 mm long), mostly shiny black except for yellow on the scutellum, sides of thorax, and middle portion of head; two pairs of reclinate orbital setae; and costal vein extending to M1+2. Liriomyza huidobrensis is distinguished from other pest species of Liriomyza in Florida, particularly L. sativae Blanchard and L. trifolii (Burgess) that share many of the same host plants, by its larger body size and overall dark color; larger discal cell and relatively short distal section of vein M3+4; the darkened femora (yellow in sativae and trifolii); and the male genitalia. Larvae can be separated by the posterior spiracles: larvae of L. huidobrensis have 6-9 bulbs, while those of L. sativae and L. trifolii have only 3 bulbs. Further, L. huidobrensis larvae frequently mine along the midribs of leaves, and late instar larvae are almost always found mining the lower surfaces of leaves or within petioles. This mining behavior is distinctly different from the serpentine mines of L. sativae and L. trifolii on upper leaf surfaces.