Tephritidae are commonly known as which of the following?

Tephritidae are commonly known as which of the following?

• A. Fruit Flies, Huskfly
• B. House Flies
• C. Robber Flies
• D. Hover Flies

Answer: (A)

Tephritidae are commonly known as fruit flies because many species in this family lay eggs in fruit and their larvae develop inside it, making them well-known agricultural pests. The name directly reflects their behavior and ecological role. This distinguishes them from other fly families with different common names, such as house flies (Muscidae), robber flies (Asilidae), and hover flies (Syrphidae). (Note: in genetics labs, “fruit fly” often refers to Drosophila, which is in a different family, Drosophilidae, but for Tephritidae the standard common name is fruit flies.)

Tephritidae are commonly known as fruit flies because many species in this family lay eggs in fruit and their larvae develop inside it, making them well-known agricultural pests. The name directly reflects their behavior and ecological role. This distinguishes them from other fly families with different common names, such as house flies (Muscidae), robber flies (Asilidae), and hover flies (Syrphidae). (Note: in genetics labs, “fruit fly” often refers to Drosophila, which is in a different family, Drosophilidae, but for Tephritidae the standard common name is fruit flies.)