Tephritis praecox
This record describes Tephritis praecox (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing Length 1.8 to 3.2 mm. Black oviscape. Legs orange with black marks on femora. Wing pattern is used in identification. 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. The habitat preferences of this species are unclear. In Israel, it has been reared from field marigold (Calendula arvensis) and it has also been reared from Calendula species elsewhere. The insect may be associated with composites related to field marigold (Calendula arvensis) or with garden plants or escapes (pot marigold, Calendula officinalis, would be the most likely host). Red Data Book 1. There are old records from Mudeford, Dorset (undated) and Aldeburgh, Suffolk and these led to the species being regarded as a vagrant (Falk 1991). More recently, it has been found in a Malaise trap placed in a garden in Newhaven, West Sussex (Jones 2004) and it now appears to be established in Britain. Almost all the records to date have come from the south coast. (The centre of its European distribution is the Mediterranean and it is known from the Canary Islands to Afghanistan, but it has recently spread to Austria and Switzerland.) Falk, S.J. A review of the scarce and threatened flies of Great Britain (Part 1). Research & Survey in Nature Conservation No. 39. Nature Conservancy Council. Jones, R. Tephritis praecox (Loew)(Diptera, Tephritidae) established in Britain. Dipterists Digest 11: 16
Classification
- 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
The habitat preferences of this species are unclear. In Israel, it has been reared from field marigold (Calendula arvensis) and it has also been reared from Calendula species elsewhere.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Red Data Book 1. There are old records from Mudeford, Dorset (undated) and Aldeburgh, Suffolk (1907) and these led to the species being regarded as a vagrant (Falk 1991). More recently, it has been found in a Malaise trap placed in a garden in Newhaven, West Sussex (Jones 2004) and it now appears to be established in Britain. Almost all the records to date have come from the south coast.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tephritis praecox. 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 praecox (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tephritis praecox
What is Tephritis praecox?
Tephritis praecox is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tephritis praecox?
1.8 to 3.2 mm. Black oviscape. Legs orange with black marks on femora. Wing pattern is used in identification.
Where is Tephritis praecox found?
Habitat: The habitat preferences of this species are unclear. In Israel, it has been reared from field marigold (Calendula arvensis) and it has also been reared from Calendula species elsewhere.