Zaprionus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Ephydroidea
Family: Drosophilidae
Subfamily: Drosophilinae
Genus: Zaprionus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zaprionus: /zæpˈraɪənəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Zaprionus indianus cropped by Original: Eran Finkle, Cropped version USer:KimvdLinde. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Zaprionus indianus - composite spines foreleg by KimvdLinde. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Forest fruit flies (8102364966) by John Tann from Sydney, Australia. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Zaprionus is a genus of fruit flies recognized for their distinctive white and black striped appearance. The genus contains two subgenera based on stripe characteristics and includes invasive species that have expanded their range beyond their native habitats.

Physical Characteristics

All species are identified by longitudinal white stripes bordered by black stripes across the head and thorax. The body color varies from yellowish to dark brown. Species of the subgenus Zaprionus typically have 4 or 6 white stripes, whereas species of the subgenus Anaprionus have 5 or 7 white stripes. Eggs of most subgenus Zaprionus species have four respiratory filaments, unlike the normal two in other drosophilids.

Identification Tips

White longitudinal stripes across the head and thorax; black stripes adjacent to white; number of stripes varies by subgenus (even for Zaprionus, odd for Anaprionus).

Habitat

Zaprionus species inhabit a variety of environments from semi-deserts to tropical rainforests; they breed on fruits, flowers, and decaying tree trunks.

Distribution

Found in the tropics of most continents, primarily in Africa and Southeast Asia. Notable species include Zaprionus indianus, which has invaded North America and Zaprionus ghesquierei in Hawai‘i.

Diet

Breeds primarily on fruits, flowers, and decaying organic matter.

Ecosystem Role

Zaprionus species contribute to the decomposition of organic matter and participate in ecological cycles involving fruit and flora.

Evolution

The genus is considered closely related to Drosophila, with which it shares a paraphyletic relationship. Molecular studies have shown that its subdivision based on spines is unreliable; the morphological characteristics have evolved multiple times within the genus.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Zaprionus species are often mistakenly confused with other fruit flies due to the common characteristics shared within the Drosophilidae family.