Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)

The oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is a highly destructive pest of fruit crops. It has a wide host range including nearly 500 fruits and vegetables, but is most commonly found attacking avocado, mango and papaya. Females live 1-3 months and can produce 1,500 eggs in her lifetime. She may lay up to 20 eggs in a single fruit. As the larvae develop, they cause severe feeding damage and rotting of the fruit, which is typical of most fruit fly pests.

Photo: Merle Shepard, Gerald R.Carner, and P.A.C Ooi, Insects and their Natural Enemies Associated with Vegetables and Soybean in Southeast Asia, Bugwood.org 5368113

Adult oriental fruit flies are predominantly black, or a mixture of black and yellow. The scutellum (the posterior end of the thorax) is characteristically yellow.

Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org #5311063

For more information on oriental fruit flies, check out this Featured Creature article by Weems et al. (1999).

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Posted: January 23, 2018


Category: AGRICULTURE, Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Bactrocera Dorsalis, Fly, Fruit Pest, Oriental Fruit Fly


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