Considered native to India, B. cucurbitae, the melon fly, is now found in more than 40 countries. The potential risk of its introduction to a new area is facilitated by an increase in international tourism and trade, and is influenced by changes in climate and land use. After introduction, it can easily disperse due to its high reproductive potential, high biotic potential (short life cycle of 3-5 weeks, up to 10 generations of offspring per year), and a rapid dispersal ability.