Celery fly
Euleia heraclei
This record describes Euleia heraclei (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a small picture wing fruit fly which has very heavily marked with brown patterning. It has green eyes. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Gardens and allotments where Celery and Parsnips are grown, although it will also use plants such as Hogweed for its larvae. Larvae cause damage by mining the leaves of Celery, Parsnips and other plants such as Hogweed. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Euleia heraclei: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euleia_heraclei.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tephritidae
- Genus
- Euleia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Gardens and allotments where Celery and Parsnips are grown, although it will also use plants such as Hogweed for its larvae.
Seasonal Activity
April to November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae cause damage by mining the leaves of Celery, Parsnips and other plants such as Hogweed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Euleia heraclei. 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 Celery fly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Celery fly
What is Celery fly?
Celery fly (Euleia heraclei) is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Celery fly?
and identifying characters you have observed.
Where is Celery fly found?
Habitat: Gardens and allotments where Celery and Parsnips are grown, although it will also use plants such as Hogweed for its larvae.
When is Celery fly active?
Celery fly: seasonal activity - April to November..
What is the life cycle of a Celery fly?
Larvae cause damage by mining the leaves of Celery, Parsnips and other plants such as Hogweed.