Tephritis hyoscyami
This record describes Tephritis hyoscyami (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Its wings are boldly patterned with dark markings similar to many other species in this genus. 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 especially where Creeping Thistle grows. All year round with a peak from May to October. Records are concentrated in southern Britain where it seems to be fairly widespread.
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 especially where Creeping Thistle grows.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
All year round with a peak from May to October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Records are concentrated in southern Britain where it seems to be fairly widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tephritis hyoscyami. 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 hyoscyami (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tephritis hyoscyami
What is Tephritis hyoscyami?
Tephritis hyoscyami is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Tephritis hyoscyami found?
Habitat: Most well vegetated places, especially meadows and grassland especially where Creeping Thistle grows.
What is the life cycle of a Tephritis hyoscyami?
All year round with a peak from May to October.