Tephritid fly on brachyscome daisy

Fruit flies within Tephritidae are sometimes called peacock flies, in reference to their elaborate markings. The larvae of almost all species within this family are phytophagous - females deposit eggs in living, healthy plant tissue using their ovipositors. Here, the larvae find their food upon emerging. The larvae develop in leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, fruits and roots of the host plant, depending on the species. Some species are gall-forming.

4 mm length body length