Desert Broom Gallfly
Aciurina thoracica
This record describes Aciurina thoracica (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tephritinae
- Tribe
- Dithrycini
- Genus
- Aciurina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California and Arizona.
Seasonal Activity
Adults occur January to November.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on sap from Baccharis spp. (Headrick & Goeden, 1993)
Life History
Forms galls on Baccharis spp. branches. (Headrick & Goeden, 1993)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aciurina thoracica (Curran, 1932)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Aciurina thoracica. 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 Desert Broom Gallfly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green , Spencer_pote
Frequently Asked Questions About Desert Broom Gallfly
How big is Desert Broom Gallfly?
~6mm (Curran, 1932)
Where is Desert Broom Gallfly found?
Range: California and Arizona.
What does Desert Broom Gallfly eat?
The diet of the Desert Broom Gallfly includes Larvae feed on sap from Baccharis spp. (Headrick & Goeden, 1993).
When is Desert Broom Gallfly active?
Desert Broom Gallfly: seasonal activity - Adults occur January to November..
What is the life cycle of a Desert Broom Gallfly?
Forms galls on Baccharis spp. branches. (Headrick & Goeden, 1993)