Fruit-fly
Guides
Parastenopa
Parastenopa is a genus of tephritid fruit flies established by Hendel in 1914. The genus comprises approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with records from the United States through South America. Species in this genus are classified within the tribe Trypetini of subfamily Trypetinae.
Parastenopa limata
Parastenopa limata is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Coquillett in 1899. It is native to North America, with documented occurrence in the northeastern United States including Vermont. The species belongs to the tribe Trypetini within the subfamily Trypetinae.
Paraterellia immaculata
Paraterellia immaculata is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, described by Blanc in 1979. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Paraterellia, a group of tephritid flies primarily distributed in the New World. The specific epithet 'immaculata' (meaning 'unspotted' or 'spotless') likely refers to the wing pattern, as many tephritids are characterized by distinctive wing markings. Very little is known about the biology or ecology of this species.
Paraterellia superba
Paraterellia superba is a species of tephritid fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, described by Foote in 1960. It belongs to the genus Paraterellia, which is part of the tribe Carpomyini within the subfamily Trypetinae. As a member of the true fruit flies, it is likely associated with plant hosts, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Paraterellia ypsilon
Paraterellia ypsilon is a species of tephritid fruit fly described by Foote in 1960. It belongs to the genus Paraterellia within the family Tephritidae, a group of true flies commonly known as fruit flies. The species is part of the tribe Carpomyini and subtribe Paraterelliina. Very little specific information about its biology, distribution, or ecology has been documented in available sources.
Peronyma quadrifasciata
Peronyma quadrifasciata is a species of tephritid fruit fly in the family Tephritidae. It is known from the United States. The genus Peronyma is placed in the tribe Dithrycini within subfamily Tephritinae. Very little specific information about this species' biology, ecology, or morphology has been documented in available sources.
Plaumannimyia
Plaumannimyia is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Hering in 1938. The genus contains three described species distributed in Mexico, Guatemala, and Brazil. As members of Tephritidae, these flies likely exhibit the characteristic wing patterning and body form typical of the family, though specific morphological details for the genus remain poorly documented in available literature.
Procecidochares flavipes
Procecidochares flavipes is a species of tephritid fruit fly in the genus Procecidochares, family Tephritidae. It was described by Aldrich in 1929. The species belongs to a genus known for gall-inducing behavior on plants, though specific details for this species are limited. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Mexico.
Procecidocharoides penelope
Procecidocharoides penelope is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae. It is distributed across northern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Tephritinae and tribe Dithrycini, it belongs to a group of tephritid flies often associated with gall formation or plant-feeding habits. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1877.
Pseudiastata nebulosa
Pseudiastata nebulosa is a small fruit fly species in the family Drosophilidae, first described by Coquillett in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Steganinae, a group of drosophilid flies often associated with decaying organic matter and fungal substrates. The species is part of a genus whose members are poorly known biologically, with limited published information on their ecology or behavior.
Pteromalus
Pteromalus is a large genus of parasitic wasps in the family Pteromalidae, containing at least 430 described species. These small chalcidoid wasps are recognized as important biocontrol agents, particularly against pest fruit flies. The genus presents significant taxonomic challenges due to numerous cryptic species that are visually identical but genetically distinct. Many species remain undescribed, and identification relies heavily on detailed morphological measurements and modern interactive keys.
Rhagoletis
fruit flies
Rhagoletis is a genus of tephritid fruit flies comprising approximately 70–100 species. The genus name derives from Ancient Greek *rhago* (a kind of spider), possibly referencing the jumping spider mimicry observed in at least *R. pomonella*. Species are primarily phytophagous, with larvae developing in fruits of specific host plants. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the apple maggot (*R. pomonella*), blueberry maggot (*R. mendax*), and cherry fruit flies (*R. cingulata*, *R. cerasi*). The genus exhibits strong host specialization, with females showing preference for ovipositing in the host fruit where they developed.
Rhagoletis basiola
rosehip fly
Rhagoletis basiola is a tephritid fruit fly native to North America, commonly known as the rosehip fly. Females oviposit in rosehip fruits and deposit host-marking pheromones post-oviposition, a behavior that deters conspecific competitors but attracts parasitoids. Egg production imposes measurable survival costs on adult females, representing a documented life history trade-off.
Rhagoletis cerasi
cherry fruit fly, European cherry fruit fly
Rhagoletis cerasi is a tephritid fruit fly native to Europe and Asia, and an invasive species in North America since 2016. Adults are small, dark flies with distinctive wing patterns. The species is univoltine, with larvae developing inside cherry fruits and causing significant agricultural damage. It is considered a major pest of cherry crops across its range.
Rhagoletis cingulata
Eastern Cherry Fruit Fly, North American Cherry Fruit Fly, Cherry Fruit Fly
Rhagoletis cingulata, commonly known as the eastern cherry fruit fly, is a tephritid fruit fly species native to North America and introduced to Europe. It is a significant agricultural pest of cultivated and wild cherry species (Prunus spp.), particularly sweet cherry (P. avium) and sour cherry (P. cerasus). Females oviposit into ripening fruit, and larvae develop within the pulp, causing direct crop damage. The species exhibits latitudinal variation in morphology and phenology, with European populations appearing later in the season than the native European cherry fruit fly (R. cerasi).
Rhagoletis completa
Walnut Husk Fly
Rhagoletis completa, the walnut husk fly, is a tephritid fruit fly native to central North America and now established in Europe. It is the most economically significant pest of walnut (Juglans regia) production, causing yield losses up to 80% through larval feeding on husk tissue. Adults emerge over a prolonged period from mid-May to October and are distinguished by a dark triangular wing pattern and yellowish-white scutellum. The species has one generation per year, with larvae pupating in soil and a small proportion entering prolonged dormancy.
Rhagoletis fausta
black cherry fruit fly, black-bodied cherry fruit fly
Rhagoletis fausta is a tephritid fruit fly native to North America, commonly known as the black cherry fruit fly. The species was first described in 1877 and later transferred to the genus Rhagoletis in 1899. It is a documented pest of cherry trees, with both cultivated and wild cherries recorded as hosts. Research in California has established its distribution patterns and seasonal phenology, and it serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Diachasma muliebre.
Rhagoletis indifferens
Western Cherry Fruit Fly, Western Cherry Fruitfly
Rhagoletis indifferens, the western cherry fruit fly, is a specialist tephritid fruit fly native to western North America and a major pest of cultivated sweet and sour cherries. Adults are slightly smaller than a housefly with distinctive white abdominal stripes and patterned wings. The species exhibits obligate winter diapause as pupae in soil and has been introduced to Switzerland. Climate change poses a threat due to its diapause requirements.
Rhagoletis meigenii
barberry fly, yellow berberis fruit fly
Rhagoletis meigenii, commonly known as the barberry fly or yellow berberis fruit fly, is a tephritid fruit fly native to Europe, the Near East, and Central Asia. It has been introduced to the Nearctic realm, specifically in Nova Scotia, Canada, and the northeastern United States. Adults are active during summer months and are associated with barberry plants.
Rhagoletis pomonella
Apple Maggot, Apple Maggot Fly, Railroad Worm
Rhagoletis pomonella is a tephritid fruit fly native to North America that has undergone a major host shift from native hawthorn to cultivated apple within the last 150 years, making it a primary pest of apple production in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species exhibits host race formation, with genetically distinct populations specializing on apple versus hawthorn that show differences in seasonal timing, neurochemistry, and adult eclosion patterns. It has been introduced to the western United States and is subject to intensive monitoring and quarantine efforts due to its economic impact on fruit exports.
Rhagoletis ribicola
Rhagoletis ribicola is a tephritid fruit fly described by Doane in 1898. The species is known to infest gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and redcurrant (R. rubrum). It has been documented in western North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Rhagoletis striatella
Rhagoletis striatella is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Wulp in 1899. It belongs to the genus Rhagoletis, a group of tephritid flies known for their association with fruit hosts. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Rhagoletis tabellaria
Rhagoletis tabellaria is a fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Fitch in 1855. Its primary host plant is Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood). The species is parasitized by the braconid wasp Utetes tabellariae, which has coevolved with flies in the R. tabellaria species complex. Laboratory studies indicate strict pupal diapause requiring extended chilling for successful eclosion.
Rhagoletis zephyria
snowberry maggot, western cherry fruit fly
Rhagoletis zephyria is a tephritid fruit fly native to western North America, commonly known as the snowberry maggot. It is a sibling species of the economically significant apple maggot (R. pomonella), with which it shares substantial morphological similarity and a history of occasional hybridization. The species is specialized on snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.) as its primary host, and exhibits distinct adult eclosion timing that contributes to reproductive isolation from R. pomonella. R. zephyria is not considered an agricultural pest, though its visual similarity to R. pomonella creates identification challenges for regulatory monitoring.
Rhagoletotrypeta
Rhagoletotrypeta is a genus of tephritid fruit flies native to the Americas, established by Aczél in 1951. The genus currently includes nine described species distributed across the Neotropics, with records from Cuba, Argentina, and other regions. Species in this genus are fruit-infesting flies whose larvae develop inside the fruits of Celtis species (Cannabaceae). The genus is notable for its extended pupal dormancy periods, which can last approximately 12 months in some populations.
Rhinoleucophenga americana
A species of fruit fly in the family Drosophilidae, originally described as Gitona americana by Patterson in 1943. The genus Rhinoleucophenga includes species associated with ant-plant mutualisms, though specific ecological details for R. americana remain undocumented. The species is rarely recorded, with minimal observational data available.
Rhinoleucophenga obesa
Rhinoleucophenga obesa is a species of fruit fly in the family Drosophilidae. Long misidentified in the Neotropics, it is now confirmed as endemic to the Nearctic region with type locality in Texas, USA. Brazilian specimens previously attributed to this species have been reassigned to sibling species R. cantareira and R. gigantea based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Rhynencina longirostris
Rhynencina longirostris is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Johnson in 1922. The species belongs to the tribe Myopitini within the subfamily Tephritinae. As a tephritid fruit fly, it likely shares the family's characteristic biology associated with plant hosts, though specific details remain poorly documented. The species is known from the United States.
Scaptomyza adusta
Scaptomyza adusta is a species of fruit fly in the family Drosophilidae. It is native to Europe, with confirmed records from Great Britain and the Canary Islands, and doubtful records from Belgium and France. The species was originally described as Drosophila adusta by Loew in 1862 and later transferred to the genus Scaptomyza. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a lineage of drosophilids that has undergone evolutionary transitions in feeding ecology.
Scaptomyza pallida
Scaptomyza pallida is a small fruit fly species in the family Drosophilidae. It is found in Europe, with distribution records from the Azores islands including Faial, Flores, Pico, São Jorge, and São Miguel. The genus Scaptomyza includes both herbivorous and non-herbivorous species, though the specific biology of S. pallida remains poorly documented. It belongs to a lineage nested within the Drosophilidae that has undergone evolutionary transitions to herbivory.
Stegana antigua
Stegana antigua is a species of small fly in the family Drosophilidae, subfamily Steganinae. It was described by Wheeler in 1960. The genus Stegana is part of the tribe Steganini within the subfamily Steganinae, a group of flies commonly known as vinegar flies or fruit flies, though distinct from the more widely known Drosophila melanogaster species group. Members of this subfamily are typically associated with decaying plant material and fungal substrates.
Stegana vittata
Stegana vittata is a species of fruit fly in the family Drosophilidae, placed in the subfamily Steganinae. The genus Stegana comprises small flies typically associated with decaying organic matter and fungal substrates. Beyond its taxonomic placement, specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Stenopa affinis
Stenopa affinis is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, described by Quisenberry in 1949. It belongs to the subfamily Tephritinae and tribe Dithrycini. The genus Stenopa is placed within the subtribe Cecidocharina. Like other tephritid flies, it is likely associated with plant material, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Stenopa vulnerata
Stenopa vulnerata is a species of tephritid fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, originally described as Trypeta vulnerata by Loew in 1873. The genus Stenopa is classified within the tribe Dithrycini, subtribe Cecidocharina. Very little is known about the specific biology of this species. As with other tephritid flies, adults likely have distinctive wing patterns used in species recognition.
Strauzia intermedia
Strauzia intermedia is a species of tephritid fruit fly in the family Tephritidae. The species was originally described as Trypeta intermedia by Loew in 1873. It has been documented developing in Rudbeckia laciniata (cutleaf coneflower), indicating a specialized host relationship with this plant. As a member of the genus Strauzia, it belongs to a group of fruit flies commonly associated with Asteraceae host plants.
Strauzia noctipennis
Strauzia noctipennis is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, described by Stoltzfus in 1988. It belongs to the genus Strauzia, a group of tephritid flies whose larvae typically develop within stems of Asteraceae plants. The specific epithet "noctipennis" (night-winged) may allude to dark wing markings or coloration. Like other members of this genus, it is likely associated with sunflower or related composite plants, though specific host records for this species remain undocumented in available sources.
Strauzia perfecta
Strauzia perfecta is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Loew in 1873. It belongs to the genus Strauzia, a group of tephritid flies whose larvae develop in plant stems. The species is accepted as valid in major taxonomic databases. Specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Tephritis
Tephritis is a large genus of true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) comprising approximately 170 described species, making it the sixth largest genus in the family. Species occur across diverse climate zones from hot semidesert to tundra, with the greatest diversity in the Palearctic region. Most species are associated with Asteraceae plants, inhabiting inflorescences of several tribes including Cardueae, Cichorieae, Anthemideae, Inuleae, and Senecioneae. Some species cause gall formation on host plants. The genus has been extensively studied for host-race formation and incipient speciation, particularly in T. conura and T. bardanae, which show genetic and morphological differentiation correlated with host-plant use.
Tephritis angustipennis
narrow-winged fruit fly
Tephritis angustipennis is a tephritid fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) first described by Loew in 1844. It is a phytophagous seed predator specializing on Asteraceae plants, particularly Aster species. The species is notable for its narrow wings with reduced pattern elements compared to congeners. It has been recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America, with recent studies documenting significant populations in the Three Rivers Source Region of China where it impacts native Aster seed production. T. angustipennis was recently synonymized with T. ptarmicae Hering, 1935.
Tephritis arizonaensis
Tephritis arizonaensis is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, described by Quisenberry in 1951. It belongs to the genus Tephritis, a group of true fruit flies whose larvae typically develop within plant tissues, particularly flower heads and stems. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. As with other members of Tephritidae, it is likely associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Tephritis californica
Tephritis californica is a true fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, described by Doane in 1899. It belongs to the genus Tephritis, a group of small flies known for their patterned wings and association with Asteraceae host plants. The species is recorded from the United States, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature.
Tephritis ovatipennis
Tephritis ovatipennis is a species of true fruit fly (Tephritidae) described by Foote in 1960. It belongs to the genus Tephritis, a group of gall-forming or stem-boring flies associated with Asteraceae host plants. The species is known from North America, specifically recorded in the United States and Canada. As with most Tephritis species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Tephritis rufipennis
Tephritis rufipennis is a North American tephritid fruit fly described by Doane in 1899. The species is distinguished from congeners by a distinctive wing pattern featuring dark edges, making it readily identifiable among North American Tephritis. It belongs to a genus of true fruit flies whose larvae develop in the flower heads of Asteraceae plants. The species has been the subject of taxonomic study by specialists in Tephritidae systematics.
Tephritis webbii
Tephritis webbii is a species of true fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Doane in 1899. It belongs to the genus Tephritis, a group of small to medium-sized flies characterized by patterned wings. The species has been recorded in Canada and the United States. Information regarding its biology, host plants, and specific habitat preferences remains limited in the available literature.
Tomoplagia obliqua
Tomoplagia obliqua is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1830 under the basionym Trypeta obliqua. The species belongs to the subfamily Tephritinae and tribe Acrotaeniini. It is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Tomoplagia, which is primarily Neotropical in distribution.
Toxotrypana
papaya fruit fly
Toxotrypana is an obsolete genus of tephritid fruit flies now synonymized with Anastrepha. The genus was historically recognized for species associated with papaya and related Caricaceae, with Toxotrypana curvicauda (now Anastrepha curvicauda) being the most studied species. These flies are significant agricultural pests in tropical and subtropical regions where papaya is cultivated.
Toxotrypana curvicauda
papaya fruit fly
Toxotrypana curvicauda, commonly known as the papaya fruit fly, is a tephritid fruit fly native to the Americas and now established in Florida and other parts of the southern United States. Males are highly territorial, defending papaya fruit surfaces through aerial combat using specialized midleg armature. Females are attracted to male-produced sex pheromones and oviposit directly into papaya fruits, where larvae develop within the seeds. The species is a significant agricultural pest of papaya (Carica papaya) and has been recorded on alternative hosts including Jacaratia mexicana and Morrenia odorata.
Toxotrypanini
Toxotrypanini is a tribe of fruit flies within the subfamily Trypetinae of Tephritidae. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Toxotrypana (containing the papaya fruit fly) and Anastrepha (a large genus of Neotropical fruit fly pests). Members are primarily associated with tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The tribe is characterized by specialized relationships with host fruits, with several species recognized as major agricultural pests.
Trichomalopsis
Trichomalopsis is a genus of pupal parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Species in this genus develop as ectoparasitoids on the pupae of Diptera, including economically important fruit flies such as Bactrocera dorsalis. Members exhibit robust environmental tolerance, with some species showing greater resistance to temperature extremes, starvation, and desiccation than related parasitoids. The genus has been documented from Asia, Europe, North America, and the Azores, with particular research interest in their potential as biological control agents against invasive tephritid pests.
Trupanea actinobola
Trupanea actinobola is a small fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Loew in 1873. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to develop in flower heads of Asteraceae. The species is documented from Canada and the United States.