Main Families
The main families included in this superfamily are:
- Tephritidae – Fruit flies, often with patterned wings; their larvae are phytophagous.
- Platystomatidae – Broad-winged, often decorated flies, sometimes saprophagous or associated with plants.
- Pyrgotidae – Nocturnal flies, often parasites of other insects (notably scarabs).
Habitat
Tephritoidea are typically found in:
- Orchards, fruit crops, and vegetable gardens
- Flower-rich meadows
- Open woodlands and forest edges
- Gardens and disturbed areas
Biology
- Adults:
- Flower-visiting or attracted to ripe fruits
- Active in sunlight, often resting on vegetation
- Larvae:
- Phytophagous (feeding on fruits, stems, roots)
- Some species are significant agricultural pests (e.g., Ceratitis, Bactrocera)
Their morphological and ecological diversity makes them both fascinating and economically important.
A representative illustration of a typical Tephritidae species will be added later.