Tephritis rufipennis
This record describes Tephritis rufipennis (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
wing pattern distinctive: the apex has a hyaline cresent, and there are two transverse dark bands, each with small scattered hyaline spot... the bands nearly entirely separated by a central hyaline band [see Plate IV:8 , Fig. 87 in , and Fig. 425 in ]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tephritinae
- Tribe
- Tephritini
- Genus
- Tephritis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California ( 3 ) , coastal & adjacent ( map )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: collected on Baccharis pilularis , and present in areas with abundant Baccharis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tephritis rufipennis Doane 1899
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tephritis rufipennis. 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 Tephritis rufipennis
What is Tephritis rufipennis?
Tephritis rufipennis is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Tephritis rufipennis?
wing pattern distinctive: the apex has a hyaline cresent, and there are two transverse dark bands, each with small scattered hyaline spot... the bands nearly entirely separated by a central hyaline band [see Plate IV:8 , Fig. 87 in , and Fig. 425 in ]
Where is Tephritis rufipennis found?
Range: California ( 3 ) , coastal & adjacent ( map )
What does Tephritis rufipennis eat?
The diet of the Tephritis rufipennis includes collected on Baccharis pilularis , and present in areas with abundant Baccharis.