Terellia tussilaginis
This record describes Terellia tussilaginis (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The gall fly Terellia tussilaginis is mainly pale greeny yellow in colour with distinctive brown banding on its wings. The larva form galls in the achenes of Burdock ( Arctium ) flowerheads; the achene is swollen with a tiny entrance hole near the top and larger hole at base blocked by debris. Pale-brown puparia are in the old flowerheads over winter 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 larvae feed on Burdock and cause galls to form. Fairly frequent and widespread in southern Britain at least.
Wikipedia reference for Terellia tussilaginis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terellia_tussilaginis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tephritidae
- Genus
- Terellia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around Burdock.
Seasonal Activity
June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Burdock and cause galls to form.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in southern Britain at least.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Terellia tussilaginis. 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 Terellia tussilaginis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Terellia tussilaginis
What is Terellia tussilaginis?
Terellia tussilaginis is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Terellia tussilaginis found?
Habitat: Around Burdock.
When is Terellia tussilaginis active?
Terellia tussilaginis: seasonal activity - June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Terellia tussilaginis?
The larvae feed on Burdock and cause galls to form.