The larva is a cylindrical-maggot shape, elongated, with the anterior end narrowed a somewhat curved ventrally.

It has anterior mouth hooks, ventral fusiform areas and a flattened caudal end.

[2] Melon flies are most often found on low, leafy, succulent vegetation near cultivated areas.

They feed on the juices of decaying fruit, nectar, bird feces, and plant sap.

[9] The most effective cultural management technique to destroy the infested fruit that is not marketable, and then to dispose of the crop residues as soon as harvest is complete.

[9] When the braconid parasitoids Fopius arisanus or Pysttalia fletcheri were used, and attacked both melon fly eggs and larvae at the same time, suppression of development was as much as 56%.

[10] Additionally, Sterile insect technique has been used in biological control efforts, with success in eradicating the fly from Japan.

Proteinaceous liquid attractants in insecticide sprays is an effective method of controlling melon fly populations.

This bait insecticide is sprayed on broad leaf plants that serve as refugia for melon flies.