Tephritidae
Guides
Neotephritis finalis
Sunflower Seed Maggot
Neotephritis finalis, commonly known as the sunflower seed maggot, is a univoltine tephritid fly that is a significant pest of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North America. Adults emerge in late June to early July, mate on sunflower heads, and females oviposit into developing heads during the R3-R4 growth stages. Larvae feed gregariously on developing seeds from July through August, causing direct damage that reduces seed quality and yield. The species completes one generation per year, with third instar larvae exiting heads to pupate in soil and overwinter as pupae.
Oedicarena latifrons
Oedicarena latifrons is a species of tephritid fruit fly described by Wulp in 1899. It belongs to the genus Oedicarena within the family Tephritidae, a group known for their distinctive wing patterns and association with various host plants. The species was originally described under the basionym Spilographa latifrons. Available records for this species are sparse, with limited observational data documented.
Oedicarena persuasa
Oedicarena persuasa is a species of tephritid fruit fly described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to the genus Oedicarena within the subfamily Trypetinae. The species is part of the tribe Carpomyini, a group of fruit flies often associated with host plants in the family Asteraceae. Available records indicate limited observational data, with 18 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Oxyna
Oxyna is a genus of tephritid fruit flies (Tephritidae) comprising at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are associated with Asteraceae host plants, with some species studied for their potential as biological control agents against invasive weeds. The genus has been documented in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Oxyna utahensis
Oxyna utahensis is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, described by Quisenberry in 1949. The species is known from the western United States and Canada. As a member of Tephritidae, it belongs to a family commonly known as true fruit flies, many species of which are associated with plants. Relatively little specific information has been published about the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Paracantha culta
Paracantha culta is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Tephritinae and tribe Eutretini, it belongs to a group of tephritid flies often associated with plants. Specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Paracantha gentilis
Paracantha gentilis is a tephritid fruit fly species described by Hering in 1940 from Wyoming specimens. The species has a complex taxonomic history, with several taxa described by Malloch in 1941 (mimetica, mimetica elongata, mexicana) and Aczél in 1953 (sobrina) later synonymized under P. gentilis when wing pattern variation proved continuous rather than discrete. It is the first Tephritidae species in which the median oral lobe of larvae was described, a character now known to be shared by all non-frugivorous Tephritinae. The species exhibits a bivoltine life cycle with distinct behavioral and morphological adaptations for exploiting Cirsium thistle flowerheads.
Paramyiolia nigricornis
Paramyiolia nigricornis is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Doane in 1899 under the name Aciura nigricornis. It is a member of the tribe Trypetini within the subfamily Trypetinae. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, specifically Vermont.
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.
Paraterelliina
Paraterelliina is a subtribe of fruit flies within the family Tephritidae, established by Korneyev in 1995. It belongs to the tribe Carpomyini in the subfamily Trypetinae. The subtribe contains genera of small to medium-sized tephritid flies, though the constituent genera and species-level composition remain incompletely documented in public 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
gall flies
Procecidochares is a genus of tephritid fruit flies comprising approximately 20 described species. All members are gall-formers on Asteraceae plants, with larvae developing within stem or branch galls. The genus has gained significant attention for the species P. utilis, widely deployed as a biological control agent against the invasive weed Ageratina adenophora. Research on Procecidochares has contributed to understanding host selection genetics and sympatric speciation mechanisms in phytophagous insects.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Stenopa
Stenopa is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Loew in 1873. The genus contains three described species distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. It belongs to the subtribe Cecidocharina within the tribe Dithrycini. Very few observations of this genus exist in citizen science databases.
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
Sunflower maggot flies
Strauzia is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, first described by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus contains approximately 12 described species, 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 host association that have led to taxonomic instability, with evidence suggesting incipient speciation in certain populations.
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 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.
Tephritinae
Tephritinae is a subfamily of tephritid fruit flies comprising approximately 2,000 described species across 11 recognized tribes and several unplaced genera. 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 symbionts of the genus Candidatus Stammerula.
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 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.
Terellia
Terellia is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, comprising approximately 60 described species distributed across the Palearctic region. Species in this genus are primarily associated with thistles and related plants in the Asteraceae family, with larvae developing in flower heads (capitula) of their host plants. The genus includes several species groups (virens group, amberboae group, tarbinskiorum group) distinguished by morphological characters and host associations. Terellia ruficauda has been used as a biological control agent for Canada thistle.
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 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
Trupanea is a genus of tephritid fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) established by Schrank in 1795. Recent taxonomic revisions have synonymized the genera Celidosphenella and Melanotrypana with Trupanea, transferring multiple species to this genus. Species within Trupanea are primarily associated with Asteraceae host plants, with larvae developing in flower heads. The genus has a broad geographic distribution including the Neotropical region, North America, Hawaii, Europe, and North Africa.
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.
Trupanea bisetosa
fruit fly
Trupanea bisetosa is a tephritid fruit fly whose larvae develop within sunflower heads. The species was originally described as Urellia bisetosa by Coquillett in 1899. It has been documented in southern California and Mexico, with confirmed host associations to wild sunflower (Helianthus spp.).
Trupanea jonesi
Trupanea jonesi is a species of tephritid fruit fly in the genus Trupanea, described by Curran in 1932. The species belongs to the family Tephritidae, a group of true flies commonly known as fruit flies or peacock flies due to their patterned wings. Distribution records indicate presence in Brazil (Mato Grosso do Sul) and North America (Canada and United States), though these records may require verification given the geographic disparity.