Urophora solstitialis

Description

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.

Identification difficulty

Adult Gall

Recording advice

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.

Habitat

Where Musk Thistle occurs.

When to see it

Peak time for adults is June to September.

UK Status

Records come mainly from the southern half of Britain.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

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

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Flies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Tephritidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
25/08/2019 (Smith, Peter)
Last record:
25/08/2019 (Smith, Peter)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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