Virtual Exhibit on Canada's Biodiversity





back to order Diptera		 insect database

Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: nectar and pollen feeding
Immatures: phytophagous

Size: 4 to 9 mm
Flight : strong flier

North American
Species: 290

Diptera Tephritidae
Fruit flies

Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: reduced to halteres
Mouthparts: sponging
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified

Special Characteristics: Tephritidae are small to medium-sized flies, often brightly coloured with spotted or banded wings.

Comments: Adults are found on flowers or vegetation. They often move their wings slowly up and down while resting on vegetation. The larvae feed on flowers or fruits and many form galls in plants. A few species are serious pests in orchards.

Species:
Oxyna atterima (Doane)

Common Name:

Feeding Habits: The larvae feed on live plant tissues, probably of sage.

Distribution:
Western Canada

Comments:
This species is rarely collected but can be abundant where its host plant is found.