The lesser known Tephritid Fruit Fly sports the same kind of wild markings on its wings that its more familiar cousins have.
Unusual black patterns on transparent wings are typical in the Tephritid Fruit Fly family. Some marks are shaped like starbursts, others like blocks. Regardless, they are interesting and useful in identifying a fly's tribe or genus. There are many species of Tephritid Fruit Flies, and almost all could benefit from more research. Like Fruit Flies in general, they are attracted to ripe fruit.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Diptera
Family:Tephritidae
Genus:Trupanea
Species:spp
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Trupanea spp
Category:
Fly or Mosquito
Size (Adult; Length): 2mm to 7mm (0.08in to 0.27in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.