Identification of Liriomyza species
The quarantine species Liriomyza trifolii (EPPO A2 list) L. sativae and L. huidobrensis (EPPO A1 list) can be very difficult to distinguish, on morphological characters, from each other and from the indigenous European species L. bryoniae; this is particularly so of the pre-adult stages. With the recent introduction of L. huidobrensis to certain countries in Europe (see EPPO Reporting Service no. 502/04) the correct identification of intercepted larvae and pupae on plants moving in trade is of vital importance to prevent further spread. For this reason, we draw your attention to a publication which reports on the separation of these four species by differences in allozymic characters, shown by starch gel electrophoresis:
Menken, S.B.J. & Ulenberg, S.A. (1986). Allozymatic diagnosis of four economically important Liriomyza species (Diptera: Agromyzidae). Annals of Applied Biology 109, 41-47.
Sources
Dr S.A. Ulenberg, Plant Protection Service, Wageningen, The Netherlands.