Urophora cuspidata
This record describes Urophora cuspidata (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A well marked member of the 'fruit fly' family Tephritidae . Many of the members of this genus are confusingly similar and need microscopic examination to determine species. For this reason our image is placed in a red box and is likely to be this species, but should only be taken as representative of the species. The fly galls Knapweed flowers, most usually Centaurea scabiosa Urophora jaceana and U quadrifasciata also gall Knapweed Favouring flowers of the Knapweed family, and most likely to be found where these are present. Larva lives within a gall on the Knapweed plant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tephritidae
- Genus
- Urophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Favouring flowers of the Knapweed family, and most likely to be found where these are present.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larva lives within a gall on the Knapweed plant.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly recorded from southern Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Urophora cuspidata. 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 Urophora cuspidata (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Urophora cuspidata
What is Urophora cuspidata?
Urophora cuspidata is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Urophora cuspidata found?
Habitat: Favouring flowers of the Knapweed family, and most likely to be found where these are present.
When is Urophora cuspidata active?
Urophora cuspidata: seasonal activity - Late spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Urophora cuspidata?
Larva lives within a gall on the Knapweed plant.