Columbine Leaf Miner - Phytomyza aquilegiae

Phytomyza aquilegiae is a fly whose larvae mine the leaves of Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) and some related species. A large blotch is formed, sometimes by several larvae, on the upper surface of the leaf. Frass is found scattered throughout the mine. The mine has a striking, large, somewhat inflated, upper-surface, often a purple-brown blotch without a preceding corridor. Leaves can sometimes be largely destroyed.

Adult Leafmine

On Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris).

Mine can be seen in summer and autumn.

Fairly frequent in the south of Britain particularly in gardens.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.