Acanthiophilus helianthi
This record describes Acanthiophilus helianthi (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4-5mm. A green-eyed fly with a mainly grey body and pale yellow legs. A series of black dots on the thorax help to identify this fly, including a pair on the scutellum. It has quite a wide range of host plants including Musk Thistle, Knapweed and Safflower. May to October, but peak time is probably July to late August. Acanthiophilus helianthi seems to be an uncommon fly and has been recorded from scattered localities, mainly in southern England, but more recently has been recorded in Sutherland in the far north of Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tephritidae
- Genus
- Acanthiophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It has quite a wide range of host plants including Musk Thistle, Knapweed and Safflower.
Seasonal Activity
May to October, but peak time is probably July to late August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Acanthiophilus helianthi seems to be an uncommon fly and has been recorded from scattered localities, mainly in southern England, but more recently has been recorded in Sutherland in the far north of Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Acanthiophilus helianthi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Acanthiophilus helianthi (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Acanthiophilus helianthi
What is Acanthiophilus helianthi?
Acanthiophilus helianthi is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Acanthiophilus helianthi?
4-5mm. A green-eyed fly with a mainly grey body and pale yellow legs. A series of black dots on the thorax help to identify this fly, including a pair on the scutellum.
Where is Acanthiophilus helianthi found?
Habitat: It has quite a wide range of host plants including Musk Thistle, Knapweed and Safflower.
When is Acanthiophilus helianthi active?
Acanthiophilus helianthi: seasonal activity - May to October, but peak time is probably July to late August..