Eggs of the native holly leafminer are laid on which part of the leaf?

Eggs of the native holly leafminer are laid on which part of the leaf?

• A. Underside of newly formed leaves.
• B. Upper surface of newly formed leaves.
• C. Leaf margins.
• D. Midrib on the underside.

Answer: (A)

Eggs are laid on the underside of newly formed leaves. This placement gives tiny eggs protection from sun and rain and puts them on leaves that are tender and receptive, making it easy for hatching larvae to penetrate the leaf tissue and begin feeding. After hatching, the larva creates mines inside the leaf between the epidermal layers, which is how the holly leafminer develops. Other surfaces or parts of the leaf aren’t the usual places for oviposition because they don’t provide the same protective position or suitable tissue for larval access.

Eggs are laid on the underside of newly formed leaves. This placement gives tiny eggs protection from sun and rain and puts them on leaves that are tender and receptive, making it easy for hatching larvae to penetrate the leaf tissue and begin feeding. After hatching, the larva creates mines inside the leaf between the epidermal layers, which is how the holly leafminer develops. Other surfaces or parts of the leaf aren’t the usual places for oviposition because they don’t provide the same protective position or suitable tissue for larval access.