Flatid Planthopper vs Natal Fruit Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flatid Planthopper Natal Fruit Fly
Scientific Name Metcalfa pruinosa Ceratitis rosa
Order Hemiptera Diptera
Family Flatidae Tephritidae
Size 5-8 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions North America, Europe Sub-Saharan Africa, Indian Ocean Islands
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Flatid Planthopper

A small waxy-white planthopper native to North America that has invaded Europe. Nymphs produce long waxy filaments that make them look like tiny white flowers.

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Did You Know?

Large aggregations of waxy nymphs on a branch can be mistaken for fungal growth or strange white blossoms.

Natal Fruit Fly

A colorful African fruit fly closely related to the Mediterranean fruit fly. It attacks tropical and subtropical fruits across sub-Saharan Africa.

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Did You Know?

It prefers cooler, higher-altitude habitats than the medfly, occupying a complementary niche in Africa.