Richardiidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Tephritoidea
Family: Richardiidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Richardiidae: //ˌrɪkɑrˈdɪɪˌdiː//

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

Images

Another Sepsisoma flavescens - Flickr - treegrow (2) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Red Sepsisoma - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Another Sepsisoma flavescens - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Red Sepsisoma - Flickr - treegrow (2) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Another Sepsisoma flavescens - Flickr - treegrow (1) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Red Sepsisoma (21796787599) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Richardiidae is a small family of Diptera in the superfamily Tephritoidea consisting of approximately 180 species across 34 genera, primarily found in the Americas, particularly in the Neotropics. Larvae can be found feeding in decaying plant material, and one species is known as a pest in agriculture.

Physical Characteristics

Most adults have conspicuously patterned wings, often featuring metallic blue or greenish colors on the body and legs, and possess a typical tephritoid ovipositor.

Identification Tips

Look for distinctive wing patterns and coloration, as well as the characteristic ovipositor of tephritoid flies.

Habitat

Primarily found in terrestrial habitats, often in areas where decaying plant matter is present.

Distribution

Restricted to the Americas, especially the Neotropics; more diverse in the southwestern United States.

Diet

Some larvae are plant feeders while others are saprophagous, feeding on decaying plant material.

Life Cycle

The life cycle details of Richardiidae are generally poorly known, though they undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Reproduction

Little is known about the specific reproductive habits of Richardiidae, but they likely lay eggs in suitable substrates or decaying organic material.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae contribute to the decomposition process by feeding on decaying plant material.

Economic Impact

The pineapple fruit fly, Melanoloma viatrix, is known to be a pest of pineapples, highlighting some economic impact within agriculture.