CALIFORNIA BRIEFING / LA VERNE

The potentially destructive white-striped fruit fly has been discovered in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, prompting the state to begin an eradication effort today. It’s the first time this variety of fruit fly has been found in the Western Hemisphere, state officials said.

Seven of the flies have been trapped in the La Verne area, and thousands of traps are going to be placed there in hopes of eradicating the insects.

“The fly is native to tropical Southeast Asia, where it damages the fruit of many trees, most notably guava and mango,” according to the state Department of Food and Agriculture. “Damage occurs when the female lays eggs inside the fruit. The eggs hatch into maggots that tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption.”

-- Shelby Grad