Nature of Damage

  • This is a polyphagous pest and female adult lays eggs on semi-ripen or mature fruit surface by making a small depression using it ovipositor (Fig. 1). 
  • White latex can be seen on the fruit surface which has been damaged by fruit flies (Fig. 2).
  • After hatching, the just emerged legless maggots bore through the pulp (Fig. 3, 4 & 5), feed on it and deteriorate fruit making it unfit for human consumption. 
  • Fruits under attack get wrinkled, rot and fall down (Fig. 7 & 8).
  • The maggots after attaining maturity, emerge out of the infested fruits and drop down in soil for pupation.