Spotted Wing Drosophila

Common Name: Spotted Wing Drosophila
Scientific Name: Drosophila suzukii
Origin: East Asia

Description

Spotted wing drosophila are vinegar flies that cause damage to different fruit crops by laying their eggs in the fruit. This insect can be differentiated from similar species by the black spots located on their wings.

Habitat

Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, sweet cherries, peaches, grapes, and tomatoes are often targeted.

Threat

Because adult flies lay their eggs in fruit, the hatched larvae will destroy the fruit by feeding on it.

Management

A simple red wine or apple cider vinegar trap can be an effective form of management. Other control techniques involve the immediate disposal of infected fruit and insecticide application.

Distribution: View Map

Drosophila suzukii distribution in NYS