Spotted wing drosophila

Spotted winged drosophila

Photo by John Davis

  • Attacks a range of soft skinned fruit species
  • Egg deposition and larval feeding can occur in maturing, firm fruit
  • Small (2-3 mm in length) flies with yellow-brown colouring, dark bands on the abdomens and red eyes
  • Males have a dark spot on the tip of their forewings
  • Larvae feed internally on fruit, are cream coloured and about 3 mm long
  • Secondary infections can occur at egg laying sites, leading to fruit rot
  • Flies spread throughout crops by flight or longer distances with infested plant material

High priority pest of: Apples and pears, Berries, Blueberries, Cherries, Dried fruit, Strawberries, Summerfruit, Table grapes, Wine grapes

Scientific name: Drosophila suzukii
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Flies & Midges (DIPTERA)

Pest Documents

FS: fact sheet

CP: contingency plan

DP: diagnostic protocol