Walnut Husk Fly
Rhagoletis completa
This record describes Rhagoletis completa (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Yellow spot just below the areas where the wings are attached; iridescent, greenish eyes; wings with three prominent dark bands. Female larger than male and with pointy abdomen. Damages walnuts, serious pest of walnut orchards
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Trypetinae
- Tribe
- Carpomyini
- Genus
- Rhagoletis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to NA, originated east of the Rocky Mountains, then spread elsewhere (first seen in CA in 1926, in Europe in the 1980s --widely spread since)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Walnut husks primarily. It can attack other plants, such as peaches.
Life History
One generation a year. Overwinters as pupa. Peak emergence mid July to mid August.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhagoletis completa. 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 Walnut Husk Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Husk Fly
What is Walnut Husk Fly?
Walnut Husk Fly (Rhagoletis completa) is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Walnut Husk Fly?
Adult 6 mm, fully grown larva 13 mm
How do you identify Walnut Husk Fly?
Yellow spot just below the areas where the wings are attached; iridescent, greenish eyes; wings with three prominent dark bands. Female larger than male and with pointy abdomen.
Where is Walnut Husk Fly found?
Range: native to NA, originated east of the Rocky Mountains, then spread elsewhere (first seen in CA in 1926, in Europe in the 1980s --widely spread since)
What does Walnut Husk Fly eat?
The diet of the Walnut Husk Fly includes Walnut husks primarily. It can attack other plants, such as peaches..
What is the life cycle of a Walnut Husk Fly?
One generation a year. Overwinters as pupa. Peak emergence mid July to mid August.