CALEXICO, Cali. — Border patrol agents found a rare insect in a shipment of lettuce at the U.S.-Mexico border last month.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, on Jan. 8, a shipment containing red and green leaf lettuce arrived at the Calexico, California, cargo facility. During their cargo inspection, inspectors discovered an unusual insect among the lettuce. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service received the pest for further identification. Officials sent the shipment and driver to Mexico.

The USDA identified the insect on Feb. 5, 2025, as Campiglossa peregrina, which is part of the fruit fly family. This is the first time this species has been recorded in the USDA pest identification database.

“Discovering a first-of-its-kind pest in our nation is a remarkable achievement. Our agriculture specialists’ role will continue to aid in safeguarding our environment and agriculture,” stated Roque Caza Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico.

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