Mexican Fruit Fly
Anastrepha ludens
This record describes Anastrepha ludens (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Notable for the female's long ovipositor and sheath relative to its body size Eyes are beautiful iridescent green with other colors appearing depending on the angle and intensity of light. |
| Body | Body is mostly yellowish; dorsal surface of thorax browner with longitudinal yellow stripes. |
| Wings | Wings marbled with yellowish bands. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Trypetinae
- Tribe
- Toxotrypanini
- Genus
- Anastrepha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mainly agricultural, but anywhere with fruit trees
Geographic Range
native to Mesoamerica; adventive in our area (s US: southmost Texas only as of 2012, historical records from CA and FL)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: All varieties of citrus except lemons and sour limes are attacked. Grapefruit is the preferred host, with oranges second. Pear, peach and apple are preferred among deciduous hosts. Full list of hosts
Life History
Adult females may be very long-lived, up to 11 months, and highly fecund, laying 1,500 eggs or more. Males appear to be able to survive as long as 16 months. Eggs hatch in 6-12 days. Larval stage lives in fruit pulp and lasts 3-4 weeks, leaving fruit to pupate in soil.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anastrepha ludens (Loew 1873)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anastrepha ludens. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Mexican Fruit Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Fruit Fly
What is Mexican Fruit Fly?
Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Mexican Fruit Fly?
7-11 mm, ovipositor 3.35–4.7 mm
How do you identify Mexican Fruit Fly?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Notable for the female's long ovipositor and sheath relative to its body size Eyes are beautiful iridescent green with other colors appearing depending on the angle and intensity of light. |
| Body | Body is mostly yellowish; dorsal surface of thorax browner with longitudinal yellow stripes. |
| Wings | Wings marbled with yellowish bands. |
Where is Mexican Fruit Fly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mainly agricultural, but anywhere with fruit trees |
| Range | native to Mesoamerica; adventive in our area (s US: southmost Texas only as of 2012, historical records from CA and FL) |
What does Mexican Fruit Fly eat?
The diet of the Mexican Fruit Fly includes All varieties of citrus except lemons and sour limes are attacked. Grapefruit is the preferred host, with oranges second. Pear, peach and apple are preferred among deciduous hosts. Full list of hosts.
What is the life cycle of a Mexican Fruit Fly?
Adult females may be very long-lived, up to 11 months, and highly fecund, laying 1,500 eggs or more. Males appear to be able to survive as long as 16 months. Eggs hatch in 6-12 days. Larval stage lives in fruit pulp and lasts 3-4 weeks, leaving fruit to pupate in soil.