Question

Leaf mining flies belonging to:

• A. Cecidomyiidae
• B. Culicidae
• C. Tabanidae
• D. Agromyzidae

Hint:

Remember:
- Agromyzidae = Dipteran leaf miners.
- Cecidomyiidae = Gall midges.
- Culicidae = Mosquitoes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Leaf miners are insects whose larval stage feeds inside the leaf mesophyll tissue, leaving visible white, serpentine tunnels (mines).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Leaf-mining flies belong to the family Agromyzidae (Order: Diptera).
Females puncture the leaves to feed and lay eggs.
The larvae tunnel through the palisade and spongy parenchyma cells of the leaves.
An important agricultural pest of this family is the serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Leaf mining flies belong to Agromyzidae, which is option (D).