University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Insect Damage

Columbine Leaf Miner
Phytomyza spp.

 
Frequency
5 (1 = rare 5 = annual)
 
Severity
1 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)
 
Hosts
Columbine

 
Plants Affected
 
Symptoms
Columbine leaf miner causes wiggly lines (serpentine) trails through leaves that are initially whitish andturn tan later in the season.

 
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on leaves in spring. Larvae tunnel into leaves and feed on the mesophyll tissue. More than one insect can occur in each leaf. There are several generations per year. Over winters as pupae in the soil.

 
Management
Insecticides may help but they are not necessary since this insect is not fatal to the plant. It causes mostly an aesthetic problem.

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic