Tephritis bardanae

Tephritis bardanae

Description

One of many similar fruit flies with heavily patterned wings. It is sometimes possible to identify a species based on the wing patterning but some variation does occur, even within members of the same species.

The larvae gall the receptacles, achenes and florets of burdock (Arctium ) leaving blackened callus and debris.  Puparia are black, and over-winter in dead flower heads

Identification difficulty

Adult Gall

Recording advice

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.

Habitat

Tephritis bardanae is found around the flower heads of Burdock.

When to see it

Spring to autumn.

Life History

The larvae live on Burdock making a gall.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales

VC55 Status

Thought to be fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records