About Walnut Husk Fly
A fruit fly whose larvae feed inside walnut husks, staining and damaging the nuts. It has become an invasive pest in European walnut-growing regions.
Did You Know?
Larval feeding stains walnut shells black, making them unmarketable even though the nut inside may be fine.
How to Identify Walnut Husk Fly
Walnut Husk Fly (Rhagoletis completa) belongs to the order Diptera, family Tephritidae. Adults typically measure 5-7 mm.
Walnut Husk Fly Habitat
Walnut Husk Fly is found in orchards habitats, particularly across North America, Southern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Walnut Husk Fly Diet and Feeding
Walnut Husk Fly feeds on fruits. Fruit-feeding insects are attracted to ripe and decaying fruit, and some species can be significant agricultural pests.
Where Is Walnut Husk Fly Found?
Walnut Husk Fly can be found in North America, Southern Europe, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Walnut Husk Fly can be found
Is Walnut Husk Fly Dangerous?
Walnut Husk Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Walnut Husk Fly Role in Nature
Walnut Husk Fly is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Husk Fly
What does Walnut Husk Fly look like?
The Walnut Husk Fly typically measures 5-7 mm.
Where is Walnut Husk Fly found?
The Walnut Husk Fly is found in North America, Southern Europe and typically inhabits orchards environments.
What does Walnut Husk Fly eat?
The Walnut Husk Fly feeds on fruits.
Is Walnut Husk Fly dangerous to humans?
The Walnut Husk Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Walnut Husk Fly?
Larval feeding stains walnut shells black, making them unmarketable even though the nut inside may be fine.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Walnut Husk Fly (Rhagoletis completa). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/walnut-husk-fly
MLA:
"Walnut Husk Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/walnut-husk-fly.