CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

What is the scientific name for the Mexican fruit fly?

1. Conotrachelus nenuphar

2. Rhagoletis cingulata

3. Acrobasis spp.

4. Anastrephia ludens

The correct answer is: Anastrephia ludens

The scientific name for the Mexican fruit fly is indeed Anastrephia ludens. This species is part of the Tephritidae family, which is commonly referred to as fruit flies. Anastrephia ludens is particularly significant in agricultural contexts, as it is a key pest of various fruits and can cause substantial damage to crops. Understanding the correct scientific name is crucial for pest identification and management, which helps inform pest control measures and regulatory practices in agriculture. The other names provided, such as Conotrachelus nenuphar, which refers to the apple weevil, Rhagoletis cingulata, known as the cherry fruit fly, and Acrobasis spp., which encompasses a group of different moth species, do not pertain to the Mexican fruit fly and are important to recognize in the context of distinguishing between different pest species affecting agricultural products.