Mediterranean fruit fly

Ceratitis capitata

3.5 - 5 mm (0.14 - 0.20 in.) in length. Yellowish with brown accents, especially on abdomen and legs. The thorax is creamy white to yellow with a characteristic pattern of black blotches. Lower corners of the face have white setae. Eyes are reddish-purple. Ocellar bristles are present. The male has a pair of bristles with enlarged spatulate tips next to the inner margins of the eyes. Forewings are broad with black, brown, and brownish-yellow markings including a wide brownish yellow band across the middle of the wing.

Damage: Larvae may also feed on stems and buds of host plants. Larvae burrow into the pulp of developing fruit. Larvae leave fruit through large exit hole. Mature attacked fruits may develop a water soaked appearance. Young fruits become distorted  and usually drop. Larval damage provides entry points for bacteria and fungi that cause the fruit to rot. Larvae may also attack young seedlings and succulent tap roots of host plants.