Ceratitis capitata

Mediterranean fruit fly

Crops:

It is one of the pests with the widest presence in different crops, affecting citrus, stone fruit trees, pome fruit trees, grapevines and tropical fruits.

Description:
The Mediterranean fruit fly is a diptera 5-6 mm in length. It is one of the most important fruit tree pests worldwide.

Generations:
In warmer climates they can reach 7-8 generations per year and we can start to find them in Spain in May.

Damage:
It is initially caused by the bite of the female for oviposition, which is a route of entry for fungi and bacteria. The larvae make galleries inside the fruit during feeding. All this leads to early ripening and fruit drop with consequent crop loss.