Urophora (genus - weed bioagents)

Tephritidae • Diptera (against weeds) • insects • weed bioagents • Beneficials/natural enemies

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Urophora affinis on spotted knapweed (click on image to enlarge it)
Author(s): Laura Parsons, University of Idaho, PSES
Source: IPM Images

Urophora Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (weed bioagents)

This genus of fruit flies contains more than 50 species and has mainly a Palearctic distribution. Several species have been introduced into other regions as biological control agents of weeds, e.g. the knapweed seed head fly, Urophora quadrifasciata.

Urophora species infest the seed heads or stems of Asteraceae and most induce galls. Typically, a given species has a narrow host range. The genus is mainly characterised by the wing venation. The adults are mainly black.

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oviposition of Urophora quadrifasciata on Centaurea jacea (click on thumb sign to enlarge)
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:

• Urophora affinis (weed bioagent)
• Urophora cardui (weed bioagent)
• Urophora quadrifasciata (weed bioagent)

• Urophora sirunaseva (weed bioagent)
• Urophora solstitialis (weed bioagent)