Xanthaciura tetraspina
This record describes Xanthaciura tetraspina (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Scutellum with four bristles (apical pair short) instead of two in other species from the United States.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tephritinae
- Tribe
- Tephritini
- Genus
- Xanthaciura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA south to Brazil
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval food plants include Eupatorium and Ageratum houstonianum .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthaciura tetraspina (Phillips, 1923)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Xanthaciura tetraspina. 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 Xanthaciura tetraspina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Spencer_pote
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthaciura tetraspina
What is Xanthaciura tetraspina?
Xanthaciura tetraspina is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Xanthaciura tetraspina?
Scutellum with four bristles (apical pair short) instead of two in other species from the United States.
Where is Xanthaciura tetraspina found?
Range: Eastern USA south to Brazil
What does Xanthaciura tetraspina eat?
The diet of the Xanthaciura tetraspina includes Larval food plants include Eupatorium and Ageratum houstonianum ..