Life cycle

The development period from egg to adult ranges from 12 to 28 days. The female may lay as many as 1,000 eggs. Eggs are generally laid in young fruit but are also laid in the succulent stems of host plants. The eggs are deposited in cavities created by the female using its sharp ovipositor. After eggs hatch into small, white larvae, they eat from their nesting site for four days, absorbing the nutrients and energy needed to transform into adults. Larvae then locate dark, dry places for pupation. During this stage, the legless larvae grow six legs and a pair of wings before emerging as adults. Full pupation takes approximately four days. During this time, the faint outline of the transforming fly is visible through the pupa case. Following pupation, adult fruit flies are ready to mate in about two days. There may be as many as 8 to 10 generations a year.

Pest Identification

Adult Melon fruit flies are similar in size to a housefly, about 6-8 mm long. The body is light brown to a honey colour in appearance. There are several prominent bright yellow markings on the thorax (upper body) and a distinctive black 'T' pattern at the base of the abdomen (lower body). The wings are clear with a dark coastal vein and 'melon seed' shaped spot at the tip.