Lantana Leafminer

Gardens, horticultural areas, and pastures containing host plants like Lantana camara.

Larvae feed on the internal leaf tissue (mesophyll) of Lantana plants, creating blotch-like mines.

The female fly punctures leaves to lay eggs; upon hatching, larvae tunnel within the leaf, eventually pupating inside the leaf or in the soil. They are highly active during warm months.

Generally considered a beneficial insect in areas where Lantana camara is an invasive weed, as they help control its spread. They pose no direct risk to humans.