Urophora stylata
This record describes Urophora stylata (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A distinctive species with a unique wing pattern. The scutellum and sides of the thorax are pale cream and the eyes have an orange-green reflection. The fly produces galls in the flower heads of thistles, usually Spear Thistle, Cirsium vulgare. Part or all of the receptacle and achenes become a hard woody gall with one or more chambers. The galls are not obvious but can be felt as hard lumps by squeezing dead flower heads. Anywhere that the host plant Spear Thistle is present. The female lays her eggs in the flower heads of thistles, usually Spear Thistle, causing them to swell and damage seeds. They are sometimes used in weed control against thistles. Fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain, but very few records from Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Urophora stylata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urophora_stylata.
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
Anywhere that the host plant Spear Thistle is present.
Seasonal Activity
Summer
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The female lays her eggs in the flower heads of thistles, usually Spear Thistle, causing them to swell and damage seeds. They are sometimes used in weed control against thistles.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain, but very few records from Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Urophora stylata. 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 stylata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Urophora stylata
What is Urophora stylata?
Urophora stylata is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Urophora stylata found?
Habitat: Anywhere that the host plant Spear Thistle is present.
When is Urophora stylata active?
Urophora stylata: seasonal activity - Summer.
What is the life cycle of a Urophora stylata?
The female lays her eggs in the flower heads of thistles, usually Spear Thistle, causing them to swell and damage seeds. They are sometimes used in weed control against thistles.