Queensland Fruit Fly

The Queensland fruit fly is a species of fly in the family Tephritidae in the insect order Diptera. ''B. tyroni'' is native to subtropical coastal Queensland and northern New South Wales. They are active during the day, but mate at night. ''B. tyroni'' lay their eggs in fruit. The larvae then hatch and proceed to consume the fruit, causing the fruit to decay and drop prematurely. ''B. tyroni'' are responsible for an estimated $28.5 million a year in damage to Australian crops and are the most costly horticultural pest in Australia. Up to 100% of exposed fruit can be destroyed due to an infestation of this fly species. Previously, pesticides were used to eliminate ''B. tyroni'' from damaging crops. However, these chemicals are now banned. Thus, experts devoted to ''B. tyroni'' control have transitioned to studying this pests' behaviors to determine a new method of elimination.