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Rhagoletis cerasi

European cherry fruit fly

Description

The European cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi) is a species of fruit fly that primarily infests cherry trees, particularly sweet cherries (Prunus avium). It is a significant pest in many parts of Europe, causing economic losses in cherry production. The adult European cherry fruit fly is a small fly, about 4-5 millimeters in length. The female flies lay their eggs inside developing cherries, and the larvae (maggots) feed on the fruit\'s flesh, causing damage and rendering the cherries unmarketable. The life cycle of the European cherry fruit fly starts with the adult flies emerging in late spring or early summer. The female flies puncture the skin of ripening cherries with their ovipositor and deposit eggs inside the fruit. It lays one egg per fruit. One female can lay up to 200 eggs. The hatched larvae burrow into the cherry, where they feed and develop. Pupa overwinters.

Symptom

Infested cherries often exhibit signs of premature ripening, premature drop, or show visible exit holes where the mature larvae emerge. The damage caused by the larvae can result in substantial crop losses and decreased fruit quality. Small white larva inside the fruit.

Tree Species: Cherry

Part of a plant- attacked: Fruit / Seed

Pest significance: Very harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes