Knapweed Gall Fly
ExploreInsects
Knapweed Gall Fly
Urophora affinis
The Knapweed Gall Fly is a tiny insect that makes special homes called galls on plants. These galls are like little bumps where the fly's larvae grow. They help the plant and the fly live together in a unique way!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Knapweed Gall Fly is a small, stocky fly, typically 3-5mm long, with a brownish-black body that may show a subtle metallic sheen. Its clear wings are distinctively patterned with dark bands or spots, setting it apart from many other small flies. It has short antennae and large compound eyes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyTephritidaeGenusUrophora
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A tiny larva can live safely inside a plant gall for almost a year!
Its babies eat plants from the inside out!
The adult fly's wings have cool dark stripes or spots!
They are often set free on purpose to fight invasive plants!
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
Knapweed Gall Fly can create a protective plant gall because its larvae induce abnormal growth, sheltering them as they develop.
Ability
Targeted Herbivore
Knapweed Gall Fly has special sensors that help them only lay eggs on specific Knapweed species, ensuring their young have the right food.
Ability
Weed Warrior
Knapweed Gall Fly can help control invasive weeds because it specifically targets certain Knapweed plants, limiting their spread.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 6-10 mm
- Size
- 3-5 mm
- Lifespan
- 330-380 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults may sip nectar, but the larvae eat the nutritious tissues of knapweed plants from inside their galls.
Age differences: Yes, larvae consume plant tissue inside galls, while adults may sip nectar or water.
Primary Foods
- Knapweed stem tissue
- Knapweed developing seeds
- Nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Spotted Knapweed
Centaurea stoebe
Provides food and shelter for larvae within galls.
depends on
Diffuse Knapweed
Centaurea diffusa
Provides food and shelter for larvae within galls.
parasitizes
Parasitic Wasp
Pteromalus calamagrostidis
Lays its eggs inside Knapweed Gall Fly larvae.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Birds sometimes peck open galls to eat the larvae.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's safe to look at these flies, but don't touch them or the plants they live on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Knapweed Gall Fly's wingspan?
6-10 mm
How big is Knapweed Gall Fly?
3-5 mm
How long does Knapweed Gall Fly live?
330-380 days
What does Knapweed Gall Fly eat?
Adults may sip nectar, but the larvae eat the nutritious tissues of knapweed plants from inside their galls.
Where is Knapweed Gall Fly usually found?
Grasslands
How does Knapweed Gall Fly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Knapweed Gall Fly have?
6
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