Caribbean Fruit Fly

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anastrepha suspensa: //ˌænəˈstrɛfə sɛspənˈsæ//

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Summary

Anastrepha suspensa, or the Caribbean fruit fly, is a small fruit fly that primarily attacks tropical fruit in the Caribbean, causing significant agricultural damage. It is capable of long distances flights and is an invasive species affecting fruit production in multiple countries.

Physical Characteristics

The adult fly is between 11 and 14 mm long, exhibiting colors that range from yellow, orange, to brown. It has red-brown to dark-brown setae, a chiefly yellow to orange-brown thorax with slender bands of color, and dark spots on the thorax and wings. Wings display alternating bands of yellow-brown and brown. Females have a prominent serrated ovipositor used for egg deposition. Larvae are vermiform maggots, clear to pale white in first instar, pale cream in second instar, and light yellow in the third instar, measuring 8-10 mm.

Identification Tips

Distinguishable from similar species by the placement of veins in the wings and characteristics of the ovipositor and wings. Males can be identified by their sounds and pheromone-marking territory; females can be distinguished by their prominent ovipositor.

Habitat

Prefers tropical climates with consistent precipitation, infesting mature, overripe, or spoiled fruit.

Distribution

Primarily found in the Caribbean Islands (such as the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico) and has expanded to Florida, California, and French Guiana due to its invasive nature.

Diet

Primarily feeds on over 100 species of fruits, particularly preferring guavas, cayenne cherries, and tropical almonds. Also noted to infest fruits like papaya, mango, and several cherries.

Life Cycle

Undergoes four main life stages: egg, larva (with three instars), pupa, and adult. Females lay about 200 eggs on fruit, which hatch into larvae that feed and develop in the fruit before pupating and emerging as adults.

Reproduction

Females deposit eggs in groups or individually into the fruit, using pheromones to deter further oviposition. Mating occurs throughout the year, often during early mornings near host fruits.

Predators

Natural enemies include parasitoids such as P. cindemmaiae and E. annulipes, which feed on fly larvae, as well as species from Anastrepha that can attack A. suspensa.

Ecosystem Role

A. suspensa has a parasitic relationship with fruits, potentially influencing seed dispersal negatively while benefiting from the fruit for growth.

Economic Impact

Considered one of the most serious fruit fly pests, causing significant economic damage, particularly to guava production and other tropical fruits.

Collecting Methods

• McPhail traps with chemical bait
• Biological control via parasitoid introduction

Evolution

Closely related to Anastrepha ludens, showing similarities in characteristics and behavior.

Similar Taxa

• Anastrepha ludens

Misconceptions

Often thought to be harmless, they pose serious economic risks as pest species in agriculture.

Tags

• Caribbean fruit fly
• tephritid fruit fly
• pest species
• agriculture