Gall Fly - Tephritis Bardanae  New
Taken at Longniddry Bents on 18th June 2023 using Panasonic Lumix TZ70 in macro mode. Fact File

Gall Fly - Tephritis Bardanae.
Species:
Order:
Family:
Local names: 		Tephritis Bardanae.
Diptera.
Tephritidae.
Larval Food:

Adult Food:
Wingspan:
Habitat:
Flies/Found:
Feature:
 		The larvae live in the flowerheads of Burdocks, feeding on them and causing galls to form.
Burdocks.
5-6 mm.
Around the flower heads of Burdock.
Spring - Autumn.
Plant galls are abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues, similar to benign tumors or warts in animals. They can be caused by various parasites, from fungi and bacteria, to insects and mites. Insect galls are the highly distinctive plant structures formed by some herbivorous insects as their own microhabitats. They are plant tissue which is controlled by the insect. Galls act as both the habitat and food source for the maker of the gall. The interior of a gall can contain edible nutritious starch and other tissues. Galls may also provide the insect with physical protection from predators.