ANTHOMYIA DESJARDENSII Meaning and
Definition
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Anthomyia Desjardensii is a species of small, black or grey-colored fly belonging to the family Anthomyiidae. It is commonly known as the "celery fly" due to its preference for feeding and laying eggs on celery plants.
The adult flies are typically around 5-7 mm in length and have a robust body structure. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger and having a more rounded appearance than males. Both sexes have clear wings and large, reddish compound eyes.
Anthomyia Desjardensii has a relatively short life cycle, with the female flies laying their eggs in small clusters on the leaves or stems of celery plants. The eggs hatch within a few days, and the larvae, commonly referred to as maggots, begin to feed on the plant tissue. As they mature, the maggots burrow deeper into the celery, causing damage to the crop. The larval stage lasts around two to three weeks, after which they pupate in the soil or on the celery plant itself.
This species is considered to be a pest in agricultural settings, especially in regions where celery is cultivated. Infestations can lead to reduced crop yield and quality. Various pest control methods, such as chemical insecticides or biological controls, can be employed to mitigate the damage caused by Anthomyia Desjardensii.
In conclusion, Anthomyia Desjardensii is a small fly species that poses a notable threat to celery crops. Its life cycle involves the deposition of eggs on celery plants, leading to consequential damage by the feeding larvae. Efforts are made to control its population and minimize the impact on agricultural production.
Etymology of ANTHOMYIA DESJARDENSII
The etymology of the scientific name "Anthomyia Desjardensii" can be broken down as follows:
- Anthomyia: The genus name "Anthomyia" originates from the Greek words "anthos" meaning "flower" and "myia" meaning "fly". It refers to a group of flies that are commonly associated with flowers.
- Desjardensii: The species epithet "Desjardensii" is named in honor of Henri Desjardins, a French entomologist who specialized in the study of flies (Diptera).
