Sphenella marginata
This record describes Sphenella marginata (species). Recorded family: with distinctive patterning on the wings.. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of many flies in this family with distinctive patterning on the wings. Galls are formed in the flowers of Ragwort, causing the flower heads to swell at the base, with enlarged bracts. White larva or brown puparium inside. Other Tephritid or Anthomyiid flies are found on Ragwort, but do not cause galls. A gall-midge, Contarinia jacobaeae , causes similar galls; the larvae live communally between the achemes and are small, cream or pale-orange, and jump. If you are recording the gall, provide a photograph of the larva inside the gall. Various well vegetated habitats where the larval host plants are present. The larvae of this fly mine flowers of Ragworts and Groundsels. The flower head widens at is base, resulting in a cone shape; the bracts are widened. The affected flower heads contain one white maggot, or a brown puparium. Most records for this species come from the southern half of Britain, although it has on occasion been recorded further north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Genus
- Sphenella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various well vegetated habitats where the larval host plants are present.
Seasonal Activity
June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of this fly mine flowers of Ragworts and Groundsels. The flower head widens at is base, resulting in a cone shape; the bracts are widened. The affected flower heads contain one white maggot, or a brown puparium.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Most records for this species come from the southern half of Britain, although it has on occasion been recorded further north.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sphenella marginata. 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 Sphenella marginata (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphenella marginata
What is Sphenella marginata?
Sphenella marginata is a species in the family with distinctive patterning on the wings., within the order Diptera.
Where is Sphenella marginata found?
Habitat: Various well vegetated habitats where the larval host plants are present.
When is Sphenella marginata active?
Sphenella marginata: seasonal activity - June to September..
What is the life cycle of a Sphenella marginata?
The larvae of this fly mine flowers of Ragworts and Groundsels. The flower head widens at is base, resulting in a cone shape; the bracts are widened. The affected flower heads contain one white maggot, or a brown puparium.