Caper Fruit Fly Larvae Intercepted in Detroit

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Detroit Metro Airport intercepted live larvae of the rare caper fruit fly in June, found in a traveler's belongings from Italy. The traveler had refused to answer agricultural questions, prompting a baggage inspection that led to the discovery. This fly species is related to some of the world's most damaging agricultural pests, including the Mediterranean and Oriental fruit flies, and was last intercepted 20 years ago in Tampa. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the larvae as caper fruit flies, highlighting the potential economic threat they pose if introduced in the U.S. Port Director Fadia Pastilong emphasized the importance of detecting such pests early to prevent economic damage. This incident underscores the ongoing vigilance required to protect U.S. agriculture from invasive species.