Urophora stylata explained

Urophora stylata is a species of tephritid or fruit flies in the genus Urophora of the family Tephritidae.^[1] The host plant for the larvae is usually a thistle of genus Cirsium or Carduus.^[2]

It has been introduced in North America as a biocontrol of C. vulgare, which has become an invasive species.^[3]

Distribution

Throughout Europe East to Japan; introduced to India, Pakistan, Australia, North America.

Notes and References

1. Norrbom . A.L. . Carroll . L.E. . Thompson . F.C. . White . I.M . Freidberg . A. . Systematic Database of Names. Pp. 65-252. In Thompson, F. C. (ed.), Fruit Fly Expert Identification System and Systematic Information Database. . Myia . 1999 . 9 . vii + 524.
2. Book: White . Ian M . Tephritid Flies, Diptera: Tephritidae . Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects . 10 . 5a . 19 February 2021 . Royal Entomological Society of London.
3. http://www.invasives.wsu.edu/biological/urophorastylata.htm Washington State University. Integrated Weed Control Project