Banded Burdock Fly

The Banded Burdock Fly is a small true fruit fly that can be easily recognised by its distinctive wing pattern. The wings have dark brown bands that create a complex net-like design. Its body is yellowish-brown with a pale shield-like area on its back. Adult flies usually measure between 4 and 6 millimetres in length. This fly is found widely across Britain and much of Europe, stretching eastwards into Asia. It is closely linked to its host plants, especially coltsfoot and butterbur. The larvae develop inside the flower heads, causing noticeable growths called galls. You can see adult flies from May to August in damp places such as woodland edges, hedgerows, riverbanks, and waste ground where the host plants grow well. The flies often rest on leaves or visit nearby flowers. The galls remain visible on the seed heads well into autumn. This means you can find signs of the fly even after the adults have disappeared.