Common Stiletto Fly vs Oriental Fruit Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Stiletto Fly Oriental Fruit Fly
Scientific Name Thereva nobilitata Bactrocera dorsalis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Therevidae Tephritidae
Size 8-12 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Heathland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Stiletto Fly

A slender, densely hairy fly with a pointed abdomen and silvery-white body hairs. Adults bask on sunlit leaves and bare ground, making short rapid flights when approached.

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Did You Know?

Stiletto fly larvae are important biological control agents, feeding on root-eating pest larvae in sandy soils.

Oriental Fruit Fly

A highly polyphagous tropical fruit fly attacking over 400 host plant species. It is one of the most economically damaging invasive insects worldwide.

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Did You Know?

It attacks more host plant species than any other fruit fly, with over 400 recorded hosts.