Biology And Life Cycle Of Bactrocera Cucurbitae Coquillett, A Serious Pest Of Cucurbits In Jammu Region (Jammu And Kashmir) India

Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett, commonly called as melon fly, is a polyphagous pest of a variety of economically important agricultural crops. This dipteran fly is a serious pest of cucurbits. The study on its biology and life history reveals that a gravid female lays eggs in small clusters about 2- 3mm deep in fruit pulp. The average time period for completion of the life cycle by passing through various life stages viz. egg, larva, pupa and adult, is 23.5±5.94. The longevity of the adult male and female flies is about 13±2.41 and 15.5±3.49 respectively. Adults are strong fliers and have characteristic markings on the thorax and abdomen.