Diagnosis

Morphological – adult

This species belongs to the striata-group (note that some publications place this species in the serpentina-group).

Features include:

• frons without brown markings except ocellar tubercle
• scutum with distinct dark patterns, posteriorly with brown or orange brown band or other transverse marking or larger posteromedial mark, with large U-shaped mark including posterior band and vittae
• scutellum entirely yellow or with dark markings only on extreme base of disk
• subscutellum yellow to red brown medially, dark brown laterally
• wing with typical Anastrepha pattern (S-band complete or at most interrupted at crossvein r-m, C-band and at least proximal arm of V-band present), C-band and S-band connected or separated, V-band proximal arm as dark as apical half of S-band and not connected anteriorly to S-band, V-band distal band usually complete, but can be incomplete or absent
• abdominal tergites without brown markings
• aculeus length 1.95 – 2.3 mm; aculeus tip length 0.22 – 0.33 mm; aculeus tip width 0.17 – 0.2 mm
• lateral aculeus margins not curved dorsally, serrated part 0 – 0.2 times length of tip
• aculeus tip is distinctly broad and wedge-shaped with a very blunt apex and extremely fine lateral serrations.

Morphological – larvae

Information not available.

Molecular

Host Range

Anastrepha striata has been recorded from at least 37 host species from 17 families. These include:

• Anacardiaceae
• Annonaceae
• Combretaceae
• Ebenaceae
• Euphorbiaceae
• Lauraceae
• Myrtaceae
• Rosaceae
• Rutaceae
• Sapotaceae

Major commercial hosts:

• Psidium guajava (guava)

For a full list of recorded hosts see CABI 2007.

Distribution

Southern Texas, Mexico, Central America, south to Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. Also found in Trinidad, West Indies (UF and FDACS 2009).

Similar species

Anastrepha striata is a smaller species of Anastrepha and best diagnosed by the distinct dark colour markings on the scutum, especially the presence of a U-shaped pattern. It belongs to the striata-group, which contains A. bistrigata with which it may possibly be confused; however, A. bistrigata does not possess the distinct U-shaped patters on the scutum.

Pest Status

• Exotic
• Important pest in the American tropics and subtropics, especially of guavas and other myrtaceous fruits
• Also recorded as attacking mango, mombins, orange, and peach

Attractant/Lure

No known record, but can be captured in traps emitting ammonia.