Tephritis vespertina
This record describes Tephritis vespertina (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing Length 3.7 to 4.5 mm. Orange oviscape with black apex and black triangular mark at base. Legs dark orange. Most of body covered in a brown tomentum. Wing pattern is important 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. Eggs laid on the capitulum of Cat's ear (Hypochaeris radicata) or sometimes other genera of the Cichorioideae.
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
Best searched for near the foodplant.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are found from June to August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Eggs laid on the capitulum of Cat's ear (Hypochaeris radicata) or sometimes other genera of the Cichorioideae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout the British Isles.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tephritis vespertina. 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 vespertina (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tephritis vespertina
What is Tephritis vespertina?
Tephritis vespertina is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tephritis vespertina?
3.7 to 4.5 mm. Orange oviscape with black apex and black triangular mark at base. Legs dark orange. Most of body covered in a brown tomentum. Wing pattern is important in identification.
Where is Tephritis vespertina found?
Habitat: Best searched for near the foodplant.
When is Tephritis vespertina active?
Tephritis vespertina: seasonal activity - Adults are found from June to August.
What is the life cycle of a Tephritis vespertina?
Eggs laid on the capitulum of Cat's ear (Hypochaeris radicata) or sometimes other genera of the Cichorioideae.