Tephritis formosa
This record describes Tephritis formosa (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length males 4 to 5 mm, females 5 to 6 mm. It has light beige wings that are boldly patterned with dark markings, the wing tip is clear with two small dark marks. 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. Most well vegetated places, especially meadows and grassland where the larval host plants grow. The host plants for the larvae are Hawk's-beard, Cat's-ear and Sow-thistle flower heads, causing galls to form on them. Quite common and widespread, at least in southern Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Tephritis formosa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tephritis_formosa.
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
Most well vegetated places, especially meadows and grassland where the larval host plants grow.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The host plants for the larvae are Hawk's-beard, Cat's-ear and Sow-thistle flower heads, causing galls to form on them.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common and widespread, at least in southern Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tephritis formosa. 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 Tephritis formosa (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tephritis formosa
What is Tephritis formosa?
Tephritis formosa is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tephritis formosa?
males 4 to 5 mm, females 5 to 6 mm. It has light beige wings that are boldly patterned with dark markings, the wing tip is clear with two small dark marks.
Where is Tephritis formosa found?
Habitat: Most well vegetated places, especially meadows and grassland where the larval host plants grow.
What is the life cycle of a Tephritis formosa?
The host plants for the larvae are Hawk's-beard, Cat's-ear and Sow-thistle flower heads, causing galls to form on them.