Sunflower Seed Maggot
Neotephritis finalis
This record describes Neotephritis finalis (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wings are mostly dark in apical half with six hyaline spots forming a distinct triangle One of the most common tephritids in NA
Wikipedia reference for Neotephritis finalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neotephritis_finalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tephritinae
- Tribe
- Tephritini
- Genus
- Neotephritis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
across NA - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Recorded from over 20 spp. of Asteraceae; larvae feed on immature achenes and pupariate in flower heads; commonly reared from sunflower, especially in the west (damage negligible) (Goeden et al. 1987; Arthur & Mason 1989)
Life History
Immature stages described by Arthur & Mason (1989); so. Cal. populations are multivoltine (Goeden et al. 1987)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neotephritis finalis (Loew 1862)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Neotephritis finalis. 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 Sunflower Seed Maggot (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Spencer_pote
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunflower Seed Maggot
What is Sunflower Seed Maggot?
Sunflower Seed Maggot (Neotephritis finalis) is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Sunflower Seed Maggot?
5.5-6.5 mm (antennae to wingtips)
How do you identify Sunflower Seed Maggot?
Wings are mostly dark in apical half with six hyaline spots forming a distinct triangle
Where is Sunflower Seed Maggot found?
Range: across NA - Map
What does Sunflower Seed Maggot eat?
The diet of the Sunflower Seed Maggot includes Recorded from over 20 spp. of Asteraceae; larvae feed on immature achenes and pupariate in flower heads; commonly reared from sunflower, especially in the west (damage negligible) (Goeden et al. 1987; Arthur & Mason 1989).
What is the life cycle of a Sunflower Seed Maggot?
Immature stages described by Arthur & Mason (1989); so. Cal. populations are multivoltine (Goeden et al. 1987)