Plantain Gall Weevil vs Sunflower Maggot Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Plantain Gall Weevil Sunflower Maggot Fly
Scientific Name Mecinus pyraster Strauzia longipennis
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Curculionidae Tephritidae
Size 3-4 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Gall Makers Leaf Miners
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Plantain Gall Weevil

A small cylindrical weevil that causes stem galls on plantain. Larvae develop inside swollen plant stems. An inconspicuous but very common species.

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Did You Know?

Causes distinctive swellings on plantain stems that are easy to find even when the tiny weevil itself is not visible.

Sunflower Maggot Fly

A picture-winged fruit fly whose larvae mine the stems of sunflowers. Adults have attractive amber-patterned wings.

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Did You Know?

Despite being common, it rarely causes economic damage to commercial sunflower crops.