Pest profile

Caribbean Fruit Fly

Anastrepha suspensa · Diptera: Tephritidae[2]

Caribbean fruit fly larvae infest mature to overripe fruit, and guavas, roseapples and Surinam cherries are usually hit hard.[1]

Caribbean fruit fly, a yellow-brown fly with brown-banded wings, on a ripe red fruit
Caribbean fruit fly, a yellow-brown fly with brown-banded wings, on a ripe red fruit. (c) Eridan Xharahi, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Adults are small yellow-brown flies up to about 1/2 inch, with long wings patterned in yellow-brown to brown bands.[1]
  • The wing pattern includes an S-shaped band and an inverted V-shaped band.[1]

Where it lives

It occurs in Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and Florida, where it was first found at Key West in the early 1930s.[1]

US map: public records from 1 state since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Eggs are laid singly and hatch in two to three days; larvae feed for 10 to 14 days.[1]

Nearly 100 hosts are recorded, including several citrus species.[1]

Damage and signs

  • In Florida only very ripe citrus has been attacked.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on fruit; UF/IFAS mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Biological control

A parasitic wasp mass-reared in Florida attacks the larvae; trapping data showed about a 40 percent drop in flies.[1]

When to call a professional

The Florida Department of Agriculture uses limited bait sprays in groves and nearby areas.[1]

Common questions

What are the maggots in my guavas?
Possibly Caribbean fruit fly larvae, which favor ripe guavas.[1]
Does it ruin citrus?
In Florida only very ripe citrus has been attacked.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Florida IFAS Extension (Featured Creatures), “Caribbean Fruit Fly, Anastrepha suspensa (EENY-196).” edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN353 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Anastrepha suspensa taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/649500 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.