Picture-winged-fly
Guides
Callopistromyia
Peacock flies
Callopistromyia is a genus of small picture-winged flies (family Ulidiidae) known for the distinctive courtship displays of males, which hold their patterned wings perpendicular to the body while sidling along substrates. The genus contains two species: C. annulipes (the peacock fly) and C. strigula. Adults are typically 3.5–5.5 mm in length. C. annulipes has expanded from its native North American range to become an established alien species in Europe since 2007.
Callopistromyia annulipes
Peacock Fly
A small picture-winged fly native to North America, introduced to Europe around 2007. Known for its distinctive courtship display in which both sexes raise their wings vertically while strutting on rotting wood. The species has spread rapidly across Europe, with records from more than fifteen countries. Adults are 3.5–5.5 mm in length and active primarily in spring and fall.
Callopistromyia strigula
Callopistromyia strigula is a small picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) found in Canada and the northeastern United States. Adults measure approximately 3.5-5.5 mm and display patterned wings characteristic of the family. Males perform distinctive courtship displays, raising their wings perpendicular to the body while moving sideways on fence rails or logs. The species is closely related to C. annulipes, the "Peacock Fly," and shares its behavioral repertoire.
Ceroxys latiusculus
narrow-banded picture-winged fly, picture-winged fly
Ceroxys latiusculus, commonly known as the narrow-banded picture-winged fly, is a species of ulidiid fly native to western North America. Adults measure 9–12 mm and are recognized by their grayish-brown bodies, black abdomen with gray bands, and distinctively patterned wings. The species is frequently encountered as a nuisance pest when adults enter buildings in autumn to seek winter shelter. Larvae develop within the seed heads of Senecio plants.
Chaetopsis aenea
picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis aenea is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Wiedemann in 1830 under the basionym Ortalis aenea. As a member of the genus Chaetopsis, it belongs to a group of flies known for their patterned wings. The species has been documented through 23 iNaturalist observations, though detailed biological information remains limited in published sources.
Chaetopsis apicalis
picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis apicalis is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Johnson in 1900. The species belongs to a family commonly known as ulidiid or picture-winged flies, recognized for their distinctively patterned wings. As with other members of the genus Chaetopsis, this species exhibits the characteristic wing markings that give the group its common name. The species has been documented in entomological collections and is represented in biodiversity databases with 37 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Chaetopsis fulvifrons
Chaetopsis fulvifrons is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae. The species was first described by Macquart in 1855 under the basionym Urophora fulvifrons. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive wing patterns typical of ulidiid flies. Documented observations are relatively sparse, with most records originating from the northeastern United States.
Chaetopsis massyla
corn silk fly, picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis massyla is a picture-winged fly (Diptera: Ulidiidae) and major agricultural pest of fresh market sweet corn in tropical and semitropical regions. Larvae develop within corn ears, feeding on developing kernels beneath protective husks, causing direct damage and secondary fungal contamination that renders cobs unmarketable. Mature larvae exit cobs and pupate in soil at depths influenced by substrate type and moisture. The species is native to the Americas, with established populations in Florida and documented occurrence in Mexico and Argentina.
Chaetopsis quadrifasciata
picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis quadrifasciata is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Curran in 1928. The genus Chaetopsis belongs to a group of flies commonly known as ulidiids or picture-winged flies, characterized by patterned wings. Available information on this species is limited; it is known from a small number of observations (16 records in iNaturalist). The specific epithet "quadrifasciata" refers to four bands or stripes, likely describing wing patterning.
Delphinia
picture-winged flies
Delphinia is a monospecific genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae. The sole species, Delphinia picta, is a native North American fly 7-8 millimeters in length with distinctive patterned wings. It is frequently mistaken for fruit flies (Tephritidae) due to its wing markings. The genus is notable for being one of the most common and widespread ulidiids in eastern North America.
Delphinia picta
Common Picture-winged Fly, Picture-winged Fly
Delphinia picta is a picture-winged fly and the sole member of its monospecific genus. It is frequently mistaken for fruit flies due to its similar size and appearance, but unlike true fruit flies, it does not attack living plant tissue. The species is notable for its distinctively patterned wings and detritivorous feeding habits.
Diacrita costalis
Diacrita costalis is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Gerstaecker in 1860. The species is known from 665 iNaturalist observations. As a member of the picture-winged flies, it likely exhibits the characteristic patterned wings typical of the family, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Diacrita plana
Diacrita plana is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Steyskal in 1947. The genus Diacrita includes several species distributed in southern North America. Like other ulidiids, this species likely exhibits the characteristic patterned wings that give the family its common name. Available records indicate it has been observed in limited numbers, with eight observations documented on iNaturalist.
Euxesta
Cornsilk Flies
Euxesta is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, commonly known as cornsilk flies. Multiple species are significant agricultural pests of sweet corn (Zea mays), particularly in Florida, the southeastern United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. The genus includes at least four species documented attacking corn in Florida: E. stigmatias, E. eluta, E. annonae, and E. mazorca. Larvae develop within corn ears, feeding on silks and kernels and causing direct crop damage, often in association with secondary fungal infections.
Euxesta annonae
cornsilk fly
Euxesta annonae is a picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, one of four 'cornsilk fly' species documented as pests of sweet corn in Florida. The species has a broad distribution spanning from Florida to Hawaii. Like other cornsilk flies, it exhibits distinctive wing patterning and wing-flapping behavior.
Euxesta nitidiventris
Euxesta nitidiventris is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Hermann Loew in 1873. The species is recognized as a pest of maize, with larvae causing damage to corn crops. It belongs to a genus containing multiple agricultural pest species.
Euxesta quaternaria
picture-winged fly
Euxesta quaternaria is a species of ulidiid or picture-winged fly described by Loew in 1868. It belongs to the family Ulidiidae, a group of flies known for their patterned wings. The species is part of the genus Euxesta, which includes numerous species with distinctive wing markings. Available records indicate limited observational data.
Euxesta stigmatias
Cornsilk fly, Maize silk fly
Euxesta stigmatias is a picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) known as the cornsilk fly, a significant agricultural pest of maize in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species has established invasive populations in North America, including Florida and Hawaii. Larvae develop inside corn ears, feeding on silk and kernels, where they are protected from insecticide applications by the surrounding plant tissue. The species exhibits a normally saprophytic lifestyle but becomes destructive when corn is available.
Melieria
picture-winged fly
Melieria is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, characterized by distinctive wing patterning with dark spots or blotches on a lighter background. The genus contains multiple species across Europe and the Palaearctic region, with adults typically active from May to August. Species vary in size from small (4–5 mm) to medium (6 mm or longer) to relatively large (8–10 mm). Several species have been the focus of genomic sequencing as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Melieria cana
Melieria cana is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly. It belongs to the genus Melieria within the family Ulidiidae. The species has been documented in coastal regions of England and has presence records in the conterminous United States, with additional distribution data from Denmark and Norway.
Myrmecothea myrmecoides
Myrmecothea myrmecoides is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Loew in 1860. The species name 'myrmecoides' suggests an ant-like appearance. It is recorded from the United States.
Neotephritis
sunflower seed maggot
Neotephritis is a genus of tephritid fruit flies established by Hendel in 1935. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed in the Americas. At least one species, Neotephritis finalis, is a documented pest of cultivated sunflowers, with larvae feeding within developing flower heads and reducing seed set. Adults are characterized by patterned wings typical of Tephritidae, often with dark markings and hyaline spots.
Odontomera ferruginea
Odontomera ferruginea is a species of fly in the family Richardiidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as picture-winged flies due to their often patterned wings. The species was described by Macquart in 1844. Richardiidae are primarily neotropical in distribution, and members of the genus Odontomera are found in the Americas. Like other richardiids, this species likely exhibits the family's characteristic wing patterns and body form, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Odontomera limbata
Odontomera limbata is a species of fly in the family Richardiidae, described by Steyskal in 1958. Richardiidae are a family of acalyptrate flies commonly known as picture-winged flies, characterized by patterned wings and often distinctive body ornamentation. The genus Odontomera contains multiple species distributed in the Neotropical region. Only one observation of this species has been recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly documented.
Oedopa capito
Oedopa capito is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly, described by Loew in 1868. It belongs to the genus Oedopa within the family Ulidiidae. The species is part of a group of flies recognized by their patterned wings.
Otites michiganus
Otites michiganus is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, described by Steyskal in 1966. The specific epithet references Michigan, suggesting a type locality in the north-central United States. As a member of the genus Otites, it belongs to a group of flies characterized by patterned wings. Published records for this species are sparse.
Otites stigma
picture-winged fly
Otites stigma is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly, described by Hendel in 1911. It belongs to the genus Otites within the family Ulidiidae. As with other members of this family, it is characterized by patterned or marked wings that give the group its common name. The species is part of a diverse group of flies whose larvae typically develop in decaying plant material.
Physiphora alceae
picture-winged fly
Physiphora alceae is a small picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, notable for lacking the bold wing patterns typical of its family. Approximately 5 millimeters in length, this species has become cosmopolitan through human-mediated dispersal. Males perform elaborate courtship dances involving foreleg movements, wing lifting, and physical contact with females.
Pseudoseioptera albipes
Pseudoseioptera albipes is a picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, a group known for their distinctive wing patterns and display behaviors. The species name 'albipes' refers to white feet, suggesting pale tarsi that may aid in identification. Like other ulidiids, it likely exhibits characteristic wing-flicking behavior during courtship. The species has been documented in Massachusetts, indicating an eastern North American distribution.
Pseudotephritina cribellum
picture-winged fly
Pseudotephritina cribellum is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly, in the family Ulidiidae. The species was first described by Hermann Loew in 1873 and was originally placed in the genus Myennis before being reassigned to Pseudotephritina. Like other members of its family, it possesses distinctive patterned wings that give the group its common name. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Pseudotephritis approximata
picture-winged fly
Pseudotephritis approximata is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae. It belongs to a group of flies known for their patterned wings. The species is known from a limited number of U.S. states in the eastern and midwestern regions. Observations suggest it is a rarely encountered species with sparse documentation.
Pseudotephritis corticalis
Pseudotephritis corticalis is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1873. The species is known from a restricted distribution in Northern Europe, with records from Germany, Denmark, Norway, and northwest Russia. As a member of the Otitinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of flies characterized by patterned wings. The species has been documented in 76 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare within its range.
Pseudotephritis vau
picture-winged fly
Pseudotephritis vau is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1830 under the name Ortalis vau. The species is known from the northeastern United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Vermont and other parts of the U.S.
Seioptera vibrans
Dark-tipped Wingwaver
Seioptera vibrans is a small ulidiid fly, 5–6 mm in length, recognized by its habit of constantly waving its wings while at rest. Adults are active from May to September in vegetated habitats and feed on flower pollen and small insects including aphids. Larvae develop in leaf litter where they contribute to decomposition.
Steneretma laticauda
Steneretma laticauda is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1873. The genus Steneretma belongs to a group of flies commonly known as ulidiids or picture-winged flies, recognized for their patterned wings. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Stictomyia longicornis
Stictomyia longicornis is a small picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae. Adults measure approximately 4 millimeters in length and are found almost exclusively on prickly-pear cacti in the southwestern United States. The species has been reared from rotting cactus pads, indicating larval development in decaying cactus tissue. Adults are morphologically unusual among flies, with short wings plastered to the back and a beetle-like or true bug-like appearance.
Stictomyia punctata
picture-winged fly
Stictomyia punctata is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic patterned wings that give picture-winged flies their common name. The species belongs to a genus with notable ecological associations, including Stictomyia longicornis which is found almost exclusively on prickly-pear cacti. Information specific to S. punctata's biology and distribution remains limited in available sources.
Tetanops
picture-winged flies
Tetanops is a genus of picture-winged flies (family Ulidiidae, subfamily Otitinae) containing approximately 20 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus includes both economically significant agricultural pests and non-pest species with specialized ecological associations. The most intensively studied species, Tetanops myopaeformis (sugar beet root maggot), is a major pest of sugar beet in North America, while other species such as T. myopina are psammophilous specialists inhabiting coastal sand dunes. Larval biology varies substantially among species: some develop in living plant roots, others in decaying organic matter, and at least one species is associated with rotting cactus pads.
Tetanops integer
Tetanops integer is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae (formerly Otitidae). It belongs to a genus whose larvae develop in the roots of living plants, making it one of the few ulidiid species considered potentially pestiferous. The species was described by Loew in 1873 and is currently accepted under that name.
Tetanops luridipennis
Tetanops luridipennis is a picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Loew in 1873. The genus Tetanops comprises approximately six species, with larvae that develop in the roots of living plants—a trait unusual among ulidiids, which are typically associated with decaying organic matter rather than living plant tissue. The specific epithet "luridipennis" refers to the yellowish or sallow coloration of the wings.
Tetanops myopaeformis
sugar beet root maggot, sugarbeet root maggot
Tetanops myopaeformis is a picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) and the most economically significant pest of sugar beet in North America. Larvae feed on sugar beet roots, causing yield losses up to 100% in affected fields. The species overwinters as freeze-tolerant third-instar larvae in soil, with some individuals exhibiting prolonged diapause lasting multiple years. It is native to North America, though its original host plant remains unidentified; sugar beet, introduced to the continent, became its primary agricultural host.
Tetanops parallelus
Tetanops parallelus is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, described by Steyskal in 1970. The genus Tetanops comprises six known species in North America, all of which are root-feeders in their larval stage. Adults display the characteristic patterned wings typical of ulidiid flies. This species belongs to a group that is rarely considered economically significant, though larval root-feeding habits may occasionally affect living plants.
Tetropismenus hirtus
Tetropismenus hirtus is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, characterized by the distinctive patterned wings typical of this group. The species was described by Loew in 1876. Like other ulidiid flies, it possesses wings with dark markings that form intricate patterns. The genus Tetropismenus is part of a family commonly known as picture-winged flies due to these conspicuous wing patterns.
Tritoxa
Tritoxa is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Loew in 1873. The genus contains seven described species distributed in the Nearctic region, with two species described in 2021. Species identification relies primarily on wing pattern differences, though examination of male genitalia is necessary for confident identification of certain sympatric species. One undescribed species based on female specimens is known from California and Nevada.
Tritoxa cuneata
Tritoxa cuneata is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1873. It is one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic genus Tritoxa. The species is distributed across Canada and the United States.
Tritoxa decipiens
Tritoxa decipiens is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, described in 2021 from a type locality near Smithers, British Columbia. It is one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic genus Tritoxa, including two species newly described in the same revision. The species can be differentiated from congeners by wing patterns, though examination of male genitalia is required for confident identification of certain sympatric species.
Tritoxa flexa
Black Onion Fly
Tritoxa flexa, commonly known as the Black Onion Fly, is a Nearctic species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae. It was first described by Wiedemann in 1830 and is one of seven recognized species in the genus Tritoxa. The species possesses distinctive patterned wings characteristic of ulidiid flies. A 2021 revision of the genus provided species illustrations, distribution maps, and a diagnostic key to differentiate T. flexa from congeners.
Tritoxa incurva
Tritoxa incurva is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Loew in 1873. It is one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic genus Tritoxa, distinguished by its bold wing patterns. The species occurs in the eastern United States, where adults are active from May through October in grassy meadow habitats.
Tritoxa pollinosa
Tritoxa pollinosa is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, described by Cole in 1919. It is one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic genus Tritoxa, distinguished primarily by wing pattern characteristics. The species occurs in the United States.
Tritoxa ra
Tritoxa ra is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic genus Tritoxa. The species was originally described by Harriot in 1942. Like other members of the genus, it possesses distinctive wing patterns that aid in identification. The species occurs in the United States.
Tritoxa undescribed-sp-apache
Tritoxa undescribed-sp-apache is an undescribed species within the genus Tritoxa, a group of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae. The provisional name indicates this taxon has been recognized as distinct but not yet formally described in scientific literature. Members of Tritoxa are characterized by patterned wings and are often associated with decaying plant material. This particular species appears to be associated with the Apache region of North America.
Ulidiotites dakotana
picture-winged fly
Ulidiotites dakotana is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, described by Steyskal in 1961. It belongs to a small genus within a family characterized by distinctively patterned wings. The species is known only from the United States, with limited published information available regarding its biology and ecology.