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Thistle Stem Gall Fly
ExploreInsects
Thistle Stem Gall Fly
Urophora cardui
The Thistle Stem Gall Fly is a tiny insect that makes special bumps called galls on thistle plants. These galls are like cozy homes for the fly's babies to grow in!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Thistle Stem Gall Fly is a small fly with a dark, robust body, often appearing brownish-black. Its most distinctive feature is its wings, which are patterned with dark bands and clear spots, giving them a mottled, checkered look. This wing pattern helps distinguish it from other small flies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyTephritidaeGenusUrophora
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby gall flies munch their way out of their plant home when grown!
Each thistle gall can hold several baby flies growing safely inside!
Scientists sometimes use these flies to help control invasive thistles!
Their nurseries are actually bumps growing right on a thistle stem!
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
Thistle Stem Gall Fly larvae can create sturdy plant galls that shelter and feed them as they grow.
Ability
Plant Persuader
Thistle Stem Gall Fly injects special chemicals that trick thistle plants into growing protective galls.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 6-10 mm
- Size
- 3-5 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-30 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult flies sip plant nectar, while their larvae feast on the nourishing insides of thistle stems.
Age differences: Adults consume liquid sugars, while larvae feed on solid plant tissue within galls.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- honeydew
- thistle stem tissue
Ecological connections
eats
Canada Thistle
Cirsium arvense
Larvae consume stem tissue, forming galls for shelter and food.
parasitizes
Thistle Gall Wasp
Eurytoma robusta
The wasp lays eggs in the gall, and its larvae eat the fly larvae.
eaten by
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Birds may pick open galls to eat the fly larvae inside.
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.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch the galls without asking an adult, as they are part of the plant's life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thistle Stem Gall Fly's wingspan?
6-10 mm
How big is Thistle Stem Gall Fly?
3-5 mm
How long does Thistle Stem Gall Fly live?
10-30 days
What does Thistle Stem Gall Fly eat?
Adult flies sip plant nectar, while their larvae feast on the nourishing insides of thistle stems.
Where is Thistle Stem Gall Fly usually found?
Grasslands
How many legs does Thistle Stem Gall Fly have?
6
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