Urophora jaceana
(Hering, 1934)
Urophora jaceana is a tephritid fruit fly that develops as a gall-former on knapweeds (Centaurea ). The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to eastern Canada. Its larvae induce galls in the flower of plants, primarily black knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and Centaurea debeauxii.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Urophora jaceana: /ˌjʊə.roʊˈfɔː.rə ˌdʒæ.siˈeɪ.nə/
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Habitat
Open where plants (Centaurea nigra, Centaurea debeauxii) occur, including meadows, grasslands, and disturbed areas.
Distribution
Native to Europe: United Kingdom, Finland, France, Italy, Romania, Ukraine, east Russia, Belgium, Denmark, Norway. Introduced to eastern Canada.
Diet
Larvae feed internally within flower galls of Centaurea nigra and Centaurea debeauxii. feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Centaurea nigra - larval primary , black knapweed
- Centaurea debeauxii - larval
Behavior
Larvae induce gall formation in flower of plants, developing internally within the gall tissue.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Authority sometimes cited as Hering, 1935; GBIF records Hering, 1934.