CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

The apple-blueberry maggot belongs to the same order as which of the following?

1. Mexican fruit fly

2. Citrus white fly

3. Citrus black fly

4. Plum curculio

The correct answer is: Mexican fruit fly

The apple-blueberry maggot, known scientifically as Rhagoletis mendax, is a type of fly that belongs to the order Diptera. Within this order, many other pests also exist, including the Mexican fruit fly, scientifically referred to as Anastrepha ludens. Both the apple-blueberry maggot and the Mexican fruit fly are members of the same order, which is known for its diverse insect family, particularly the true flies. The Mexican fruit fly is a significant pest in agriculture, especially in fruit crops, and like the apple-blueberry maggot, it exhibits characteristics typical of the Diptera order, such as having a single pair of wings and undergoing complete metamorphosis. In contrast, the other options presented do not belong to the same order. The citrus white fly and citrus black fly are part of the order Hemiptera, while the plum curculio is an insect in the order Coleoptera. Recognizing these categorical differences is essential for pest management and understanding their biology and behavior, which is vital for effective agricultural practices.