Rhagoletis meigenii
This record describes Rhagoletis meigenii (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The wing is distinctively patterned, but there are similar species and detailed examination is needed for a positive identification to species level. Where no detailed examination has taken place, the image is shown in a red box to indicate that the record is very likely to be this species, but it has not been confirmed. The larvae are associated Barberry and Oregon Grape. The males often sit on leaves of host plants and try to wing waving to attract females. Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Lack of records, possibly due to the difficulty of identification, means that the status and range of this species cannot be easily determined. No additional images available for this species.
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
Habitat
On Barberry or Oregon Grape.
Seasonal Activity
Spring/summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are associated Barberry and Oregon Grape. The males often sit on leaves of host plants and try to wing waving to attract females. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Lack of records, possibly due to the difficulty of identification, means that the status and range of this species cannot be easily determined.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhagoletis meigenii. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagoletis meigenii
What is Rhagoletis meigenii?
Rhagoletis meigenii is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Rhagoletis meigenii found?
Habitat: On Barberry or Oregon Grape.
When is Rhagoletis meigenii active?
Rhagoletis meigenii: seasonal activity - Spring/summer..
What is the life cycle of a Rhagoletis meigenii?
The larvae are associated Barberry and Oregon Grape. The males often sit on leaves of host plants and try to wing waving to attract females. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.