---

Hello, for this Tephritis female, I think it's ruralis, but the opinions I've asked for are not unanimous (matricariae seems an alternative).

For my part I rely on:
1) wing pattern with in particular 4 spots along the transverse r-m, which is an element retained in the French key of Séguy, but I know that it is subject to variations. For the anal lobe I don't know if it's conclusive, but it seems coherent to me. The rather wide apical spot disturbs me a little.
2) the ovipositor, which seems long to me and reddish brown in color (with the base and the apex blackened), with apparently dark hair,
3) the hairiness of the abdomen, which seems very characteristic to me and visible here: longer and wider white hairs at the posterior margin of the tergites and shorter and finer black hairs on the rest of the tergites. It seemed to me from reading the threads that this was perhaps the most diagnostic for ruralis, but I may have misinterpreted.

What do you think ?

I specify that the piloselle (Pilosella officinalis) is very covering in my garden, where the photo was taken (Arc-et-Senans, France, May 7, 2023).

In addition, matricariae is probably (also or ...) present at the site.

Best regards

Luc Bettinelli


Luc Bettinelli : France : Arc-et-Senans : 25610 : 07/05/2023
Altitude : 235 m - Taille : 4-5 mm
Réf. : 322300


Luc Bettinelli : France : Arc-et-Senans : 25610 : 07/05/2023
Altitude : 235 m - Taille : 4-5 mm
Réf. : 322301


Luc Bettinelli : France : Arc-et-Senans : 25610 : 07/05/2023
Altitude : 235 m - Taille : 4-5 mm
Réf. : 322323

---

Certainly Tephritis ruralis. The wing pattern is typical, and the abdomen is black setulose.

---

Thank you a lot ! :)