The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata, is a major agricultural pest that attacks a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In May 2018, two male flies were caught in Lake Worth, FL. This pest threatens fruit crops such as citrus, mangoes, avocados, peaches, olives, and guavas. It is also a threat to vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants. Crop losses occur due to oviposition scars and larval feeding within the fruits.

Peach fruit flies have the potential to be a major pest in Florida if it becomes established. An eradication program may be necessary if more flies are detected. You can read more about the peach fruit fly in this DPI Alert and this Purdue CERIS document. If you suspect you have found this fly, please send a specimen to the UF Insect Identification Lab.

0