Goldenrod Gall Fly
Eurosta solidaginis
This record describes Eurosta solidaginis (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Galls distinctive Some parasitoids listed at ( 3 )
Identification notes
Galls distinctive
Wikipedia reference for Eurosta solidaginis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurosta_solidaginis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tephritinae
- Tribe
- Dithrycini
- Genus
- Eurosta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Much of North America, from Northwest Territory south to British Columbia, Kansas, Carolinas.
Seasonal Activity
Apr-May
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae form round galls on the stem of certain Solidago spp., feed there, and pupate in early spring; adults emerge in April-May
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eurosta solidaginis (Fitch, 1855) Specific epithet refers to the host plant, Solidago (Goldenrod)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eurosta solidaginis. 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 Goldenrod Gall Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , marcie oconnor , Spencer_pote
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldenrod Gall Fly
What is Goldenrod Gall Fly?
Goldenrod Gall Fly (Eurosta solidaginis) is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Goldenrod Gall Fly?
7-9 mm
How do you identify Goldenrod Gall Fly?
Galls distinctive
Where is Goldenrod Gall Fly found?
Range: Much of North America, from Northwest Territory south to British Columbia, Kansas, Carolinas.
When is Goldenrod Gall Fly active?
Goldenrod Gall Fly: seasonal activity - Apr-May.
What is the life cycle of a Goldenrod Gall Fly?
Larvae form round galls on the stem of certain Solidago spp., feed there, and pupate in early spring; adults emerge in April-May