Olive Fruit Fly
Bactrocera oleae
This record describes Bactrocera oleae (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Dacinae
- Genus
- Bactrocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Mediterranean, introduced (and so far restricted) to CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed exclusively on olive fruits; adults take nectar, honeydew, etc.
Life History
In the Mediterranean region, 2-5 generations a year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bactrocera oleae (Rossi 1790)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bactrocera oleae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Olive Fruit Fly (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Fruit Fly
How big is Olive Fruit Fly?
4-5 mm
Where is Olive Fruit Fly found?
Range: native to the Mediterranean, introduced (and so far restricted) to CA
What does Olive Fruit Fly eat?
The diet of the Olive Fruit Fly includes Larvae feed exclusively on olive fruits; adults take nectar, honeydew, etc..
What is the life cycle of a Olive Fruit Fly?
In the Mediterranean region, 2-5 generations a year