Acidia cognata
This record describes Acidia cognata (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
6 to7 mm. An orange fly with black patterning on the wings. The larvae mine the leaves of Colt’s-foot and Butterbur making upper surface blotches. When two or more larvae mine the same leaf the affected area can be quite large. Areas where Colt’s-foot or Butterbur occur. The mines may be encountered in early autumn.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tephritidae
- Genus
- Acidia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where Colt’s-foot or Butterbur occur.
Seasonal Activity
The mines may be encountered in early autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Acidia cognata. 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 Acidia cognata (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Acidia cognata
What is Acidia cognata?
Acidia cognata is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Acidia cognata found?
Habitat: Areas where Colt’s-foot or Butterbur occur.
When is Acidia cognata active?
Acidia cognata: seasonal activity - The mines may be encountered in early autumn..