Urophora solstitialis
This record describes Urophora solstitialis (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The gall fly Urophora solstitialis has a striking appearance with well-marked, banded wings, but there are other similar species and care is needed with identification. The larvae gall Musk Thistle ( Carduus nutans ), part or all of the receptacle and achenes are transformed into a hard woody gall containing one or more chambers, each with a larva. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. If adults are photographed a note of the plant they were using may be very informative. Peak time for adults is June to September. Records come mainly from the southern half of Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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
Where Musk Thistle occurs.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time for adults is June to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Records come mainly from the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Urophora solstitialis. 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 solstitialis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Urophora solstitialis
What is Urophora solstitialis?
Urophora solstitialis is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Urophora solstitialis found?
Habitat: Where Musk Thistle occurs.
When is Urophora solstitialis active?
Urophora solstitialis: seasonal activity - Peak time for adults is June to September..