Paracantha cultaris

(Coquillett, 1894)

Paracantha cultaris is a tephritid fruit fly native to western North America, ranging south to Rica. are predominantly orange-brown in coloration. The has a documented association with sunflowers, where larvae develop inside the flower and adults remain in the vicinity of plants.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paracantha cultaris: /ˌpærəˈkænθə kʌlˈtɛərɪs/

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Identification

can be recognized by their predominantly orange-brown coloration. Association with sunflower plants provides additional context for field identification. Specific diagnostic features separating this from are not documented in available sources.

Appearance

are mainly orange-brown in color.

Habitat

Associated with sunflower plants. are usually found near sunflowers.

Distribution

Western North America, extending as far south as Rica.

Host Associations

  • sunflowers - larval developmentmaggots develop inside sunflower

Life Cycle

Larval stage occurs inside sunflower . stage occurs near plants.

Behavior

remain in proximity to sunflower plants.

Similar Taxa

  • other Paracantha speciescongeneric share similar and sunflower association; specific distinguishing features for P. cultaris are not documented in available sources

More Details

Taxonomic authority

Described by Coquillett in 1894.

Sources and further reading