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Tuesday
Jun142011

Thistle Gall Fly

DateTue 2011-06-14

A female thistle gall fly, probably Urophora stylata (Diptera: Tephritidae).  This fly was on a large robust thistle with long sharp spines and large flower heads.  Presumably the long ovipositor allows the fly to deposit its eggs deep within the flower heads, making it difficult for parasites to get at them.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-06-13.

AuthorTristram Brelstaff | CommentPost a Comment |
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