Holly Leaf Minor

[Rosalind Searle]

I have a query from a biology student in Hawaii on a practical as set up in
the UK looking at the  K factor analysis and life history strategies of the
Holly Leaf Miner Phytomyza ilicis on Ilex aquifolium.


  Please can you suggest an alternative plant to
the holly to investigate.  There is a plant called
Hawaiian holly (Ilex anomala) which doesn't have the
scalloped edges or the spikes and has a black
berry/fruit.  You will remember that I'm currently
living in Hawaii.

This is the holly leaf miner experiment. Does anyone know whether Ilex
anomala has a corresponding parasite to the holly leaf miner and if so
whether it has a similar life cycle? I am afraid that I am completely
stumped by this one.

Any entomologists got any ideas?

Best wishes
Ros Searle