Eggs are typically oviposited on leaves toward the center of the host plant.
Regardless of host plant, the female's first action is bending of the abdomen to position her ovipositor at the correct angle to the leaf.
The ovipositor than contacts the leaf in a series of "rapid thrusts".
The female punctures the leaf in either a fan shape or a tubular shape.
The eggs are inserted into the tubular punctures on the bottom surface of the host leaf, just below the epidermis.
This is where the larva will create its mine upon hatching.
Oftentimes, the mother will make multiple punctures before selecting the ideal spot.
Oviposition rate is significantly increased for female L. trifolii located on ideal host plants such as celery.
Eggs are typically oviposited on leaves toward the center of the host plant. Regardless of host plant, the female's first action is bending of the abdomen to position her ovipositor at the correct angle to the leaf. The ovipositor than contacts the leaf in a series of "rapid thrusts". The female punctures the leaf in either a fan shape or a tubular shape. The eggs are inserted into the tubular punctures on the bottom surface of the host leaf, just below the epidermis. This is where the larva will create its mine upon hatching. Oftentimes, the mother will make multiple punctures before selecting the ideal spot. Oviposition rate is significantly increased for female L. trifolii located on ideal host plants such as celery.
Liriomyza trifolii