Melon fly is found in the tropical regions of Asia, a portion of east Africa, and on some Pacific islands, including Hawaii, USA. Melon fly has been recovered on several occasions in California, and although it has not become established in the western hemisphere, the tropical and subtropical regions would be suitable habitat.
Life History
A life cycle can be completed in about 5 weeks in warm climates, but may require 3–4 months in cool climates. The adults (Fig. 26) can survive for months, and will continue to reproduce if fruit is available. In tropical climates such as Hawaii they are present throughout the year. Their abundance is determined mostly by availability of suitable host plant material, but they tend to be most common in summer and autumn.
Adult of melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett).
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References
Nishida T (1954) Further studies on the treatment of border vegetation for melon fly control. J Econ Entomol 47:226–229
Nishida T (1955) Natural enemies of the melon fly, Dacus cucurbitae Coq. in Hawaii. J Econ Entomol 48:171–178
Nishida T, Bess HA (1957) Studies on the ecology and control of the melon fly Dacus (Strumeta) cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae). Hawaii Agr Exp Stat Tech Bull 34:44
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Capinera, J.L. (2008). Melon Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae). In: Capinera, J.L. (eds) Encyclopedia of Entomology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6359-6_4542
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