The South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus, is a pest of over 110 host plants, including several crops grown in Florida, such as citrus, strawberries, and peaches. A. fraterculus actually a complex of several species that have yet to be individually described. Currently, the different variations of A. fraterculus are referred to as morphotypes. Morphotypes are individuals that look a little different from each other, but are considered the same species. This makes visual identification difficult. They can be distinguished by female genitalia and wing morphology. The Brazilian-1 morphotype is pictured below.

In general, these fruit flies are light brown with yellow stripes on the thorax. Check out this EDIS document by H. V. Weems, Jr. for more information and descriptions of the various wing forms in this complex. This Featured Creatures article also provides useful information on identification and management.

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