6-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY (Ceratitis capitata)

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) is one of the world's most destructive agricultural pests. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it ravages over 250 species of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, turning the pulp of vulnerable produce—such as citrus, peaches, and tomatoes—into inedible, maggot-infested mush.

Appearance & IdentificationSize: Slightly smaller than a common housefly (roughly 3.5 to 5.0 mm in length).

Wings: Clear with a distinct mosaic-like pattern of yellow and brown bands, spots, and dots.

Body: Features a blackish thorax with silver markings and a tan abdomen crossed by darker silver or brown stripes.

Larvae: Creamy-white, carrot-shaped maggots that develop and feed inside the fruit.

20-4-2023 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY (Ceratitis capitata)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/199404-Ceratitis-capitata

Ceratitis capitata, commonly known as the Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, is a yellow-and-brown fly native to sub-Saharan Africa. It has no near relatives in the Western Hemisphere and is considered to be one of the most destructive fruit pests in the world. There have been occasional medfly infestations in California, Florida, and Texas that require extensive eradication efforts to prevent the fly from establishing itself in the United States.