medfly

American  

[med-flahy] / ˈmɛdˌflaɪ /

Or Medfly

noun

plural

medflies

1. Mediterranean fruit fly.

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medfly British  

/ ˈmɛdˌflaɪ /

noun

1. another name for Mediterranean fruit fly

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Etymology

Origin of medfly

First recorded in 1930–35; by shortening

Example Sentences

After discovery of three Mediterranean fruit flies, or medflies, in October, Los Angeles County officials dropped millions of sterile flies on a 9-square-mile area around Baldwin Hills to prevent an outbreak.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1980, state and federal agencies mounted an eradication operation after an outbreak of medflies in the Santa Clara Valley southeast of San Francisco.

From Los Angeles Times

Recently, some scientists have questioned the assumption that the medfly and related species have not established permanent populations in the United States.

From Los Angeles Times

The female medfly "stings" fruits as she lays her eggs, making them vulnerable to infection and rot.

From BBC

In Guatemala, field releases of the wasp in coffee plantations resulted in a 50 to 60 percent reduction of the medfly, researchers said.

From Washington Times