Monitoring and Damage Control Programme 

Order:    Diptera 
Family:  Tephritidae.
Common name:  Mediterranean fruit fly.
Scientific name:  Ceratitis capitata.

Host

This pest attacks citrus,fruit stone and more than 260 different fruits, flowers, vegetables and nuts.

Geography

This species originated in the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa, Asiatic countries in the Mediterranean area, such as Jordan and Lebanon. It has also established in the USA mainely in California and Florida

Biology

The length of time required for the med fly to complete its life cycle under tiical conditions is 21-30 days.

Damage

Larval feed damage in fruit is the most damaging. Mature attacked fruit may develop a water-socked appearance. Young fruits become distorted and usually drop. The larval tunnels provide entry points for bacteria and fungi that cause the fruit to rot. These maggots also attack young seeding, succulent roots, stems and buds of the plants.