Rhagoletis striatella
This record describes Rhagoletis striatella (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
wing has three transverse bands, the third one resembling the letter F - with the top segment of the F touching the outer edge of the wing (see drawing of wing ). body mostly black; thorax with two pale dorsal stripes; base of scutellum with black triangular spot, posterior of scutellum white, V-shaped; abdomen with four or five white transverse bands on black background (see drawing of body ).
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
Ontario and eastern United States, through Texas and New Mexico to Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on fruit of Ground-Cherry ( Physalis spp.) in the tomato family (Solanaceae)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhagoletis striatella. 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 Rhagoletis striatella (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagoletis striatella
What is Rhagoletis striatella?
Rhagoletis striatella is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Rhagoletis striatella?
length of larva 8.5-10 mm
How do you identify Rhagoletis striatella?
wing has three transverse bands, the third one resembling the letter F - with the top segment of the F touching the outer edge of the wing (see drawing of wing ). body mostly black; thorax with two pale dorsal stripes; base of scutellum with black triangular spot, posterior of scutellum white, V-shaped; abdomen with four or five white transverse bands on black background (see drawing of body ).
Where is Rhagoletis striatella found?
Range: Ontario and eastern United States, through Texas and New Mexico to Mexico
What does Rhagoletis striatella eat?
The diet of the Rhagoletis striatella includes larvae feed on fruit of Ground-Cherry ( Physalis spp.) in the tomato family (Solanaceae).