Insect

Melon fly

Zeugodacus cucurbitae

Orange-brown melon fly with patterned wings on a leaf

Scientific name: Zeugodacus cucurbitae
Family: Tephritidae, order Diptera
Group: Insect

A pretty fly that loves gourds.

Spot it Orange-brown with yellow marks and dark-banded wings.
Home Vegetable fields with gourds, melons and cucumbers.
Food web Larvae grow inside fruit; adults eat sugary juices.
Why it matters Food for spiders and birds; farmers trap it rather than spray.

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