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. Two common mechanical methods of control are wrapping developing fruit with a protective covering and the use of baited traps. The use of protective coverings is more effective and costly than the use of traps. In spite of its cost, protective coverings are still used to a certain extent largely by home gardeners.