Mediterranean fruit fly (ceratitis capitat) in NewZealand - Essay Example

It is also referred to as the med fly for short. It belongs to the Animalia Kingdom. Its phylum is anthropoda. The class is an insect. The order is diptera. The family is tephritidae and the genus ceratitis ("Ceratitis capitata," 2011). As a species of fruit fly, the insect is able to cause significant damage to a wide array of fruit agricultural crops. This insect is native to the Mediterranean region; however, it has spread to many other parts of the globe. These areas include Australia, as well as a variety of regions throughout North and South America.

This fruit fly’s invasive nature has made it a particular problem in many of these regions. In terms of reproductive elements the fruit fly lays its eggs under the skins of fruit. This occurs most frequently in fruit where the skin is already broken. After three days, the larvae develop inside the fruit. While the insect has been viewed largely as an invasive species, it additionally has an ecological purpose as it can serve to control specific plant growth. There are significant implications for the Mediterranean fruit fly’s invasion into New Zealand.

In understanding these implications there is the understanding that this insect has caused significant problems in other areas. Attacks between 1975 and 1993 in California cost the state over $170 million in prevention measures. Australia and Hawaii experienced similar incursions of the fruit fly. In Australia, over 200 fruit crops became infested before preventions measures were put into place. For New Zealand, it’s noted that there would be a significant impact on the horticulture industry ("Mediterranean fruit fly," 2011).

This is highly significant because of the impact it would have on the New Zealand economy, including potential job losses. Indeed, it’s noted that among the products that there are more than $58 million worth of crops that are in the highly susceptible range