Abstract: Host selection of the polyphagous leafminers in the genus Liriomyza includes their preference for some tissues and leaves of the same plant, certain species of plants and some varieties or strains of these plants. The formation of the preference was influenced by physical and chemical characteristics of the host plants, and larval feeding experience as well. Gradual physiological adaptation of the leafminer larvae to the novel hosts was widening their host plant range.

Key words: polyphagia, leafminer, Liriomyza spp., host plant preference