When fully grown, the larvae emerge through conspicuous exit holes, usually after the fruit has fallen to the ground, and pupate in the soil. Larval development requires approximately three to four weeks, depending largely upon temperature conditions during these periods of development. The development is more rapid where comparatively higher temperatures prevail, and as a general rule, the shorter the period for fruit maturation the more rapid is the development of the larva. Adults may survive for many months, occasionally almost a full year, and males appear to be able to survive much longer than females, even as much as 16 months. Hosts All varieties of citrus except lemons and sour limes are attacked.
Grapefruit is the preferred host, with oranges second.
Pear, peach, and apple are preferred among the deciduous hosts, and white sapote and mango are preferred among the subtropical fruits. Avocado, while not a preferred host, is attacked. Other hosts include pomegranate, quince, rose apple, cherimoya, custard apple, jinicuil, mamey, and yellow chapote. Management The Sterile Insect Technique is used in maintaining a fly-free zone in Mexico, Texas and California. Technology for the eradication programs used to maintain these zones is supported by research by the USDA ARS laboratory in Weslaco, Texas, and Sanidad Vegetal laboratories in Mexico.