Melanagromyza metallica (Thomson)

Sasakawa, Mitsuhiro, 2013, Thailand Agromyzidae (Diptera) — 2, Zootaxa 3746 (4), pp. 501-528 : 513

Melanagromyza metallica (Thomson)

Agromyza metallica Thomson, 1869: 609 . Melanagromyza metallica: Spencer, 1959: 278 . Agromyza similis Lamb, 1912: 346 .

Material examined. 2♀, Loei, Phu Ruea National Park, 17˚28.772´N, 101˚21.308´E, 860 m a.s.l., 19–26 vii 2006 & 17˚30.502´N, 101˚20.868´E, 1343 m, 12–19 ix 2006, Malaise trap, Nukoonchai Jaroenchai; 4♂, 14♀, Phetchabun, Khao Kho National Park, 16˚39.120´N, 101˚07.810´E, 246 m, 5–12 ix 2006, Malaise trap, Somchai Chachumnan & Saink Singtong; 16˚32.539´N, 102˚02.483´E, 242 m, 5–12 xi 2006 & 16˚32.546´N, 101˚02.501´E, 274 m, 19–26 xi 2006, Malaise trap, Somchai Chachumnan & Saink Singtong; 53♂, 82♀, Chiyaphum, Pa Hin Ngam National Park, 15˚34.802´N, 101˚25.990´E, 430 m, 14–15 xi 2006, pan trap; 15˚34.913´N, 101˚25.658´E, 444 m, 22–28 xi 2006 & 28 xi–4 xii 2006, Malaise trap, Katae Sa-nog & Buakaw Adnafai.

Remarks. This is one of the commonest species in the Old World tropics from Micronesia and E. Melanesia to Africa. The fly is small (wing length 1.7–2.2 mm in male), black, shining greenish or coppery on the mesoscutum and abdomen, and the male has an anterodorsal patch of white hairs on the eye. The larvae are known as the stemborers of Ageratum , Bidens and Vernonia spp. ( Asteraceae ).

Distribution. Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand (Sasakawa 1963 a), India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia (Irian Jaya), Flores, Papua New Guinea, Belau, Australia, New Ireland, New Britain, Solomons, New Caledonia, Micronesia, Vanuatu, Fiji; Africa, Seychelles; Japan (Ryukyus).