Sunflower Maggot
Strauzia longipennis
This record describes Strauzia longipennis (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The males show a lot of variation, and the wing can look like a female's or very different (except in this species, Strauzia wings are not sexually dimorphic) --M. Hauser While infestation levels have occasionally reached nearly 100%, damage within sunflower stalks from larval feeding usually is light
Wikipedia reference for Strauzia longipennis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strauzia_longipennis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Trypetinae
- Tribe
- Trypetini
- Genus
- Strauzia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
US and adjacent Canada
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Strauzia longipennis (Wiedemann 1830)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Strauzia longipennis. 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 Maggot (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chen Young; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Beatriz Moisset , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Spencer_pote
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunflower Maggot
What is Sunflower Maggot?
Sunflower Maggot (Strauzia longipennis) is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Sunflower Maggot?
The males show a lot of variation, and the wing can look like a female's or very different (except in this species, Strauzia wings are not sexually dimorphic) --M. Hauser
Where is Sunflower Maggot found?
Range: US and adjacent Canada