Life history of the European tephritid fly Chaetostomella cylindrica (Diptera: Tephritidae) and its possible use as a biocontrol agent in the USA

Chaetostomella cylindrica (Robineau-Desvoidy) is a polyphagous fly widely distributed in most of Europe. Its life history, with emphasis on the previously unknown developmental stages, and reproductive behavior, is described. The development of C. cylindrica was followed on the knapweed Centaurea pseudophrygia C.A.Meyer (Asteraceae) that has been introduced to the USA and is likely to become a serious menace to agriculture. Chaetostomella cylindrica attacks a number of other introduced knapweeds and thistles (a complete list of host plants is provided) but destroys only 1-3 achenes in the flowerheads. Reproductive potential of the infested host plants must be examined to assess the possible use of C. cylindrica in weed biocontrol.