Chirosia betuleti
This record describes Chirosia betuleti (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Chirosia betuleti is a small grey fly resembling a small house fly. Its larvae cause galls to form on ferns, and in particular on Male-fern, Lady-fern and Buckler-ferns. Eggs are laid in the tip of the fronds, and the resulting larvae tunnel into the main stalk causing it to twist and the pinnae to become bunched and distorted like a mop head. Some of the pinnae may turn brown and die. Wherever the host plants are found, usually in damp shady places. The gall can be found from early summer until late in the autumn. How the fly passes the winter appears to be unknown. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Chirosia betuleti: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chirosia_betuleti.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Anthomyiini
- Genus
- Chirosia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wherever the host plants are found, usually in damp shady places.
Seasonal Activity
The gall can be found from early summer until late in the autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
How the fly passes the winter appears to be unknown.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chirosia betuleti. 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 Chirosia betuleti (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chirosia betuleti
What is Chirosia betuleti?
Chirosia betuleti is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chirosia betuleti found?
Habitat: Wherever the host plants are found, usually in damp shady places.
When is Chirosia betuleti active?
Chirosia betuleti: seasonal activity - The gall can be found from early summer until late in the autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Chirosia betuleti?
How the fly passes the winter appears to be unknown.