Mexican Fruit Fly

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anastrepha ludens: /ænəˈstrɛfə ˈludɛnz/

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Summary

Anastrepha ludens, known as the Mexican fruit fly or Mexfly, is a significant agricultural pest native to Mesoamerica, particularly affecting citrus and mango crops. It is known for its high fecundity and longevity, posing serious threats to fruit agriculture due to its voracious larvae.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are 7-11 mm long, with females having a long ovipositor measuring 3.35-4.7 mm. The eyes are iridescent green, with a yellowish body and a brown dorsal thorax featuring longitudinal yellow stripes. Wings are marbled with yellowish bands.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive yellow and brown coloration of the body and wings, and the long ovipositor of females. Females can lay over 1,500 eggs in their lifetimes.

Habitat

Prefers habitats near citrus and other fruit trees where females can lay eggs, commonly found in agricultural areas with fruit trees.

Distribution

Native to Guatemala, Mexico, and possibly Costa Rica. Invasive in the southern United States, notably found in Texas, California, Florida, and Arizona.

Diet

Adults feed on moisture and nutrients from sources such as raindrops and bird feces, while larvae feed on the fruit pulp of host plants.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes four stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. Eggs hatch in 6-10 days, followed by a larval stage lasting 3-4 weeks before pupation in soil.

Reproduction

Females lay 25-70 eggs per day, showing high fecundity. They use olfactory and visual stimuli to select oviposition sites and can lay eggs in various fruit species.

Predators

Natural enemies include parasitoid wasps from the families Braconidae and Ichneumonidae, such as Diachasmimorpha longicaudata and Doryctobracon crawfordi.

Ecosystem Role

Act as a significant pest in agricultural systems, particularly for citrus fruits.

Economic Impact

Estimated to cause $1.44 billion in damages over 5 years, significantly impacting the citrus industry in the US.

Evolution

Genetic studies indicate that A. ludens populations are diverse and moderately differentiated, influenced by natural selection and pest management practices.

Similar Taxa

• Anastrepha suspensa
• Anastrepha curvicauda

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for less harmful species of fruit flies, it is one of the most destructive agricultural pests in the world.

Tags

• Mexican Fruit Fly
• Agricultural Pest
• Invasive Species
• Tephritidae
• Anastrepha