Phytomyza nigritella Zetterstedt, 1848

on Caltha

parasite

The interpretation of this species has a confused history (see Spencer, 1976a). This was caused partly because for some time Ph. nigritella was considered the valid name of Chromatomyia ramosa, which led to the association of the species in the literature with Caprifoliaceae. But also Hering shifted his opinion several times, and finally, in his 1957 book, disregarded the name altogether. Both the status and the eventual biology of the species remain in the dark. The riddle could have been solved by Černý & Vála (1996a) who bred the species “ex larva” from Caltha palustris, but did not comment on that observation.

hostplants

Ranunculaceae, monophagous

Caltha palustris.

references

Černý & Merz (2007a), Černý & Vála (1996a), van Frankenhuyzen Houtman & Kabos (1982a), Hering (1921b, 1925b, 1944b, 1931a, 1955b), Kabos (1971a), de Meijere (1924a, 1939a), Nowakowski (1958a), Pakalniškis (1990a), Robbins (1991), Spencer (1971a, 1972a,b, 1976a), Starke (1942a), Starý (1930a), Süss (1982a).