Urophora quadrifasciata
This record describes Urophora quadrifasciata (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The term ‘quadrifasciata’ in the Scientific Name refers to the dark, four-banded pattern in the wing. The fly produces galls in Knapweed flowers; these are in each achene (not in the receptacle), causing it to become enlarged with woody or papery walls. Urophora jaceana and U cuspidata also gall knapweeds, but the gall includes the receptacle as well as achene Please provide supporting images with your records for this species. Meadows and verges where Knapweed is present. Two generations a year. Overwintering generation emerges as adults from galls in the mature seedheads in the spring when new flower buds are beginning to form. It seems to be quite widespread in the southern half of Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Urophora quadrifasciata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urophora_quadrifasciata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tephritinae
- Tribe
- Myopitini
- Genus
- Urophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Meadows and verges where Knapweed is present.
Seasonal Activity
Usually encountered in summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Two generations a year. Overwintering generation emerges as adults from galls in the mature seedheads in the spring when new flower buds are beginning to form.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It seems to be quite widespread in the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Urophora quadrifasciata. 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 quadrifasciata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Urophora quadrifasciata
What is Urophora quadrifasciata?
Urophora quadrifasciata is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Urophora quadrifasciata found?
Habitat: Meadows and verges where Knapweed is present.
When is Urophora quadrifasciata active?
Urophora quadrifasciata: seasonal activity - Usually encountered in summer..
What is the life cycle of a Urophora quadrifasciata?
Two generations a year. Overwintering generation emerges as adults from galls in the mature seedheads in the spring when new flower buds are beginning to form.