Anastrepha ludens

Definition

A species of tephritid fruit fly in the family Tephritidae (order Diptera), commonly known as the Mexican fruit fly or Mexfly. Native to Mexico and Central America, it is a major agricultural pest whose larvae infest citrus and other fruits, causing significant economic damage to export crops. It is closely related to the Caribbean fruit fly (Anastrepha suspensa) and the papaya fruit fly (Anastrepha curvicauda).

Etymology

Anastrepha from Greek ana- (back, again) + strephein (to turn), referring to the distinctive wing pattern; ludens from Latin ludens (playing), the specific epithet assigned by Loew in 1873.

Example

Anastrepha ludens is a quarantine pest in the United States, where detection in citrus-growing regions triggers eradication programs involving sterile insect technique and bait sprays to prevent establishment.

Synonyms

• Mexican fruit fly
• Mexfly

Related Terms

• Tephritidae
• Anastrepha suspensa
• Anastrepha curvicauda
• fruit fly
• quarantine pest
• sterile insect technique

Usage Notes

Distinguished from the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and other Anastrepha species by wing pattern, host range, and geographic distribution. The common name "Mexican fruit fly" is preferred in regulatory and agricultural contexts; "Mexfly" is informal shorthand used in pest management literature. Not to be confused with Drosophila species, which are vinegar flies of family Drosophilidae.