Tephritis conura
This record describes Tephritis conura (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of many similar fruit flies with heavily patterned wings. It is sometimes possible to identify a species based on the wing patterning but some variation does occur, even within members of the same species. We suggest expert help be sought when identifying this species. The larva cause galls in Cirsum palustre and C heterophyllum . All year - but peak time is late spring to early autumn. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tephritidae
- Genus
- Tephritis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where the host plants are found
Seasonal Activity
All year - but peak time is late spring to early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Tephritis conura was previously associated with Melancholy Thistle (Cirsium heterophyllum) which is not found in Leicestershire and Rutland, but latest reports suggest that populations is northern Britain are using the substitute larval foodplant Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre) which is quite common in our area.
Additional species information
Recorded status
To follow.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tephritis conura. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tephritis conura
What is Tephritis conura?
Tephritis conura is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Tephritis conura found?
Habitat: Areas where the host plants are found
When is Tephritis conura active?
Tephritis conura: seasonal activity - All year - but peak time is late spring to early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Tephritis conura?
Tephritis conura was previously associated with Melancholy Thistle (Cirsium heterophyllum) which is not found in Leicestershire and Rutland, but latest reports suggest that populations is northern Britain are using the substitute larval foodplant Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre) which is quite common in our area.