Paracantha
Coquillett, 1899
Species Guides
3Paracantha is a of tephritid fruit flies comprising ten described . The genus is distinguished by its association with thistle flower as larval development sites. At least one species, Paracantha gentilis, has been studied in detail and exhibits a with larvae developing as seed within Cirsium flower heads. emerge in early summer to mate and oviposit into developing flower heads.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paracantha: //ˌpærəˈkænθə//
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Images
Habitat
Flower of Cirsium (thistle) plants; association documented for Paracantha gentilis, with other likely sharing similar plant relationships.
Seasonality
activity in early summer; larvae overwinter in dried flower .
Diet
Larvae feed on floret tissues and seeds within thistle flower .
Host Associations
- Cirsium - larval thistles; flower serve as development site and food source
Life Cycle
; larvae overwinter in dried flower ; emerge early summer; laid in developing flower heads; larval development occurs within flower heads.
Ecological Role
Seed of Cirsium thistles; may influence thistle through seed consumption.