Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00652
Tetreuaresta obscuriventris
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About Tetreuaresta obscuriventris
Tetreuaresta obscuriventris is a member of Tephritidae in the order Diptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced — biocontrol.
Tetreuaresta obscuriventris (Tetreuaresta obscuriventris) is documented from Kauaʻi. Fruit flies and picture-winged relatives have complete metamorphosis. Larvae develop in fruits, flowers, stems, galls or other plant tissues depending on species. On Kauaʻi, observations are most useful when they record host plant/tissue, larvae/pupae, adult wing pattern and fruit/flower damage. Where island-specific host, prey, breeding-site, abundance, or seasonal information is not yet firmly documented, those details should remain tied to direct specimens and field observations rather than inferred from populations elsewhere.
Tetreuaresta obscuriventris is a deliberately introduced biological-control fruit fly established on Kauaʻi, where its larvae develop in flowerheads of Elephantopus mollis.
Kauaʻi occurrence evidence: A 2002 Kauaʻi study found the deliberately introduced fly widespread on the island, with 80–90% of sampled Elephantopus mollis flowerheads infested.
The cited occurrence evidence does not by itself establish current abundance or population trend on Kauaʻi.
Life cycle
Egg; larva; pupa; adult.
Habitat
Host plants and surrounding vegetation.
Food and ecological role
Larvae use species-specific plant tissues; adults use plant exudates, nectar or other liquids.
Reproduction
Females place eggs into or on appropriate host tissue.
Movement
Adults fly among host plants.
Ecosystem role
Plant-tissue consumer; some species are major fruit pests.
Threats and impacts
Agricultural impact depends on exact host range; native species may instead be specialized ecosystem components.
Monitoring
Record host plant/tissue, larvae/pupae, adult wing pattern and fruit/flower damage.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Tetreuaresta obscuriventris
- Family
- Tephritidae
- Order
- Diptera
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Introduced — biocontrol
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Tetreuaresta obscuriventris is a member of Tephritidae in the order Diptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced — biocontrol.