Large numbers of adults have been trapped in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, but except for one record from grapefruit, no infestation of the species has been found in Texas and the appearance and disappearance of such large adult populations there remains unexplained. Anastrepha serpentina possibly could become a serious pest of tropical fruits in southern Florida if it were introduced into that area. The adult is a medium sized to fairly large, dark brown fly, marked with pale yellow and orange-brown. Dorsum of thorax dark brown with yellow markings. Dorsum of abdomen dark brown marked with brownish yellow and orange.
Legs vary from pale yellow to brownish yellow or brown on one side and pale yellow on the other.
Anterior respiratory organs with external parts somewhat fan-shaped, but nearly flat across the top, with 17 to 19 small, thick, short tubules. A. serpentina , the type of the genus, is one of a group of four species that differ noticeably in color pattern from other species in the genus. Life History and Habits Females may oviposit up to 600 eggs in about one and a half months. Mature green fruits apparently are preferred. Females have been observed to continue oviposition over periods extending from 21 to 29 weeks under laboratory conditions.