Bull Thistle Gall Fly

Urophora stylata

Description

Over all length 6 - 8mm. A grey fly with a pale yellow scutellum. The wings are milky with black bands across them.

Habitat

Meadows, woodland edges and hedgerows where thistles grow. The larvae develop in the flower-heads of Cirsium and Carduus thistles.

Status and distribution

Distributed mainly through the southern half of Britain. Uncommon on the reserve.

Best time to see

Mid june to early September.

  • Bull Thistle Gall Fly - Urophora stylata - female - June 20th 2016

  • Bull Thistle Gall Fly - Urophora stylata - female - June 20th 2016

  • Bull Thistle Gall Fly - Urophora stylata - female - June 20th 2016

  • Bull Thistle Gall Fly - Urophora stylata - female - July 1st 2024

  • Bull Thistle Gall Fly - Urophora stylata - female - July 1st 2024

  • Bull Thistle Gall Fly - Urophora stylata - male - July 1st 2024

  • Bull Thistle Gall Fly - Urophora stylata - male - July 1st 2024

  • Bull Thistle Gall Fly - Urophora stylata - male - July 1st 2024