Oviposition occurs about 10 days after emergence and continues at intervals. One female may deposit up to 1,000 eggs, although 300 eggs total are estimated in natural conditions. Females prefer to oviposit in new plant growth such as young seedlings, growing tips, and developing ovaries of all cucurbits except young cucumbers. Because of their high egg laying capacity and mobility, each female is capable of destroying large numbers of fruit in her lifespan. Adults generally live for 10 months to a year.
Adults spend considerable time on low, succulent, leafy vegetation surrounding cultivated areas.
They may be found among the foliage on any dense plant, bush or tree, sometimes a considerable distance from host plants. During hot days they rest on the underside of leaves or in shaded areas. Flight is most common in the morning and late afternoon. Adults feed on juices from decaying or damaged fruit, nectars, plant sap and bird feces. Since the discovery of the melon fly in Hawaii a number of methods have been employed in attempts to reduce or prevent damage by this pest.