Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens) pupae
Mexican fruit flies (Anastrepha ludens) form a protective case when they enter their pupal stage. In mass-rearing for management using sterile insect technique, technicians must determine the correct time to irradiate by taking a sample of pupae, removing the pupal case to expose the eyes, and then checking the eye color against a color chart. (Photo courtesy of Diana Pérez-Staples, Ph.D.)