The Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens), or ‘Mexfly,’ is a serious pest of fruit crops in Mexico. They are especially damaging to citrus, mango, and peaches. They also have a strong affinity for grapefruit. Mexflies are potentially devastating to Florida grapefruit growers, due to the abundant habitat and prolific breeding capabilities of these flies. A single female may lay up to 1,500 eggs in her lifetime. Mexflies are currently found in Texas, Arizona, and southern California. They have been detected a few times in Florida, but thus far have not established due to eradication programs.

Mexican fruit flies are readily distinguished from the more common Caribbean fruit fly by their pale brown color, yellow-banded wings, and ovipositor that extends as long as or longer than the wing tips. Read this Featured Creatures article by Weems et al. (2001) for more information.

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