Abstract. The melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the important insect pests of fruits and vegetables. In order to monitor and control it effectively, it is necessary to know the potential geographical distribution of this pest. The ER (Eclosion rate) model was constructed from empirical biological data, and analyzed with ArcGIS. Based on the soil temperature and moisture data of Chinese meteorological stations, the potential geographical distribution of B. cucurbitae from January to December in China was predicted. Six categories were used to describe different levels of suitability for B. cucurbitae in China. The potential geographical distribution and suitable levels for every month in China were obtained and showed that almost all locations were suitable from May to September. Further analysis showed that monitoring measures should be taken in Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Hainan provinces throughout the year
