Strauzia

Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830

Sunflower maggot flies

Species Guides

Strauzia arculata
Strauzia intermedia
Strauzia longipennis(sunflower maggot fly)
Strauzia noctipennis
Strauzia perfecta

Strauzia is a of fruit flies in the Tephritidae, first described by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus contains approximately 12 described , including the economically notable Strauzia longipennis (sunflower maggot), a pest of cultivated sunflower. Some species within the genus exhibit complex patterns of morphological variation and association that have led to taxonomic instability, with evidence suggesting incipient speciation in certain .

Strauzia by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Strauzia by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.

Strauzia by (c) Theo Rickert, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Theo Rickert. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Strauzia: /ˈstraʊziə/

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Images

Distribution

North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec) and widespread US states including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and others. One , Strauzia longipennis, has been recorded in Europe (Germany).

Host Associations

Helianthus annuus - sunflower; of Strauzia longipennis

Human Relevance

Strauzia longipennis (sunflower maggot) is a pest of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus), with larvae developing in the stems of plants.

More Details

Taxonomic Complexity

Strauzia longipennis exhibits notable morphological variability that has generated taxonomic confusion. Seven varieties were historically recognized, with three elevated to status. Research in eastern Iowa identified two sympatric mitochondrial lineages within S. longipennis that correspond to former varieties 'typica' and 'vittigera', suggesting these may represent races or incipient species.

Species Count

The includes approximately 12 described : S. arculata, S. bushi, S. gigantei, S. intermedia, S. longipennis, S. longitudinalis, S. noctipennis, S. perfecta, S. rugosa, S. stoltzfusi, S. uvedaliae, S. verbesinae, and S. vittigera.