Aciura

Aciura is a genus of tephritid or fruit flies in the family Tephritidae. These flies are found primarily in the Palearctic and Afrotropical regions. They are characterized by distinctive wing patterns, often featuring reticulated or net-like markings, giving them a somewhat lace-like appearance.

Characteristics:

Aciura flies are typically small to medium in size for tephritids. The most distinguishing feature is their wing pattern, which usually involves interconnected hyaline (clear) spots and dark bands, creating a reticulate or net-like design. Morphological details, such as the chaetotaxy (arrangement of bristles), are important for species-level identification.

Ecology:

Aciura larvae are typically gall-formers on various Asteraceae (Compositae) plants, such as thistles and related species. The larvae induce the plant to form a gall, providing shelter and a food source for the developing fly. The adults can be found on or near their host plants, where they mate and lay eggs.

Taxonomy:

The taxonomy of Aciura, like that of many tephritid genera, has been subject to revision over time. The genus was established to accommodate species with the characteristic reticulate wing patterns and gall-forming larval habits. Specific species identification often requires careful examination of morphological details and, in some cases, molecular data.