Tephritis bardanae

One of many similar fruit flies with heavily patterned wings. It is sometimes possible to identify a species based on the wing patterning but some variation does occur, even within members of the same species.

The larvae gall the receptacles, achenes and florets of burdock (Arctium ) leaving blackened callus and debris.  Puparia are black, and over-winter in dead flower heads

Adult Gall

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Tephritis bardanae is found around the flower heads of Burdock.

Spring to autumn.

The larvae live on Burdock making a gall.

Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales

Thought to be fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.