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Drosophila suzukii

Spotted-wing drosophila

Description

The spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is an invasive fruit-fly species originally from East Asia that has rapidly spread throughout Europe. Females lay eggs directly into healthy ripening soft-skinned fruits, such as cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants and other fruit-bearing shrubs and shrubs. The developing larvae (pupae stage) feed within the fruit, causing the fruit to collapse prematurely, rot or lose marketable quality. By doing so the species can impair the overall health status of shrub crops and reduce their aesthetic and economic value. It has been recorded in many European countries and is expanding swiftly in temperate zones, especially in regions with intensive cultivation of fruit-bearing shrubs.

Symptom

On infested fruits, small spots caused by egg-laying are visible; the fruits may drop, turn brown, or rot. Inside the fruit, larvae are present — a single fruit may contain many larvae.

Tree Species: Elderberry, Peach, Cherry, Gooseberries, Fig tree, Rowan, Whitebeam, Raspberry, Apricots, Plum

Part of a plant- attacked: Fruit / Seed

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes