Strauzia perfecta
This record describes Strauzia perfecta (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults yellow. This is the only Strauzia species without dark markings on the thorax. There may be orange stripes or spots on the thorax. Wings have brownish striping pattern and an F shape marking at the tip.
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
Habitat
Found only on giant ragweed ( Ambrosia trifida ).
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge in June and July. Larvae are found in the pith of giant ragweed stems in the fall, and pupae overwinter in the roots or surrounding soil.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Univoltine (1 generation per year). Adults meet and mate on their host plant ( Ambrosia trifida ).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Strauzia perfecta (Loew 1873)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Strauzia perfecta. 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 Strauzia perfecta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov , ahippee
Frequently Asked Questions About Strauzia perfecta
What is Strauzia perfecta?
Strauzia perfecta is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Strauzia perfecta?
Adults yellow. This is the only Strauzia species without dark markings on the thorax. There may be orange stripes or spots on the thorax. Wings have brownish striping pattern and an F shape marking at the tip.
Where is Strauzia perfecta found?
Habitat: Found only on giant ragweed ( Ambrosia trifida ).
When is Strauzia perfecta active?
Strauzia perfecta: seasonal activity - Adults emerge in June and July. Larvae are found in the pith of giant ragweed stems in the fall, and pupae overwinter in the roots or surrounding soil..
What is the life cycle of a Strauzia perfecta?
Univoltine (1 generation per year). Adults meet and mate on their host plant ( Ambrosia trifida ).