Agromyza viridula

The holey handiwork of the Oak Shothole Leafminer (Japanagromyza viridula, syn. Agromyza viridula) is appearing on its namesake hosts in southern Ohio. Similar damage may be seen on Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima). The leafminer is a small fly belonging to the family Agromyzidae; the leafminer flies.

The oak shothole leafminer is a small fly belonging to the family Agromyzidae; the leaf miner flies. The leafminer produces four progressive symptoms: small pinprick-like holes, larger holes, dark brown "blotch mines," and ragged-looking leaves with missing pieces.

What's making holes in newly expanding oak leaves in Ohio? The common name of the oak shothole leafminer (Japanagromyza viridula, syn. Agromyza viridula) clearly describes both the culprit and the damage they do to oaks. This small fly belongs to the family Agromyzidae; the leaf miner flies.