Tephritinae

Tephritinae is a of comprising approximately 2,000 described across 11 recognized tribes and several unplaced . Members are predominantly non-frugivorous, with many species specialized on flowerheads of Asteraceae. The subfamily exhibits a global distribution and is notable for widespread associations with co-evolved bacterial of the genus Candidatus Stammerula.

Xanthaciura by (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Xanthaciura insecta by no rights reserved, uploaded by Lyn Roueche. Used under a CC0 license.

Xanthaciura tetraspina by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tephritinae: /tɛˈfrɪtɪneɪ/

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Distribution

Global distribution, with documented occurrences in the Palearctic, Hawaiian Archipelago, Australasia, East Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Host Associations

Vernonia - All East African of Microtreta (Schistopterini) recorded on this (Asteraceae)

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Bacterial symbiosis

Many Tephritinae harbor co-evolved, vertically transmitted bacterial of Candidatus Stammerula (Enterobacteriaceae) in their . This association has been documented in Palearctic, Hawaiian, and Australian Tephritini, with phylogenetic analyses showing substantial -symbiont cophylogeny and cospeciation patterns.

Tribal classification

The contains 11 tribes: Acrotaeniini, Cecidocharini, Dithrycini, Eutretini, Myopitini, Noeetini, Schistopterini, Tephrellini, Tephritini, Terelliini, and Xyphosiini. Four (Acinia, Lilloaciura, Rhithrum, Tanaodema) remain unplaced (incertae sedis). Tephritini is the largest tribe with 976 in 80 genera.