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European cherry fruit fly – Rhagoletis cerasi

Female adult on cherry

The European cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi L.) is the most serious pest of cherries in Europe. Damage associated with this pest is caused by larval feeding in the fruit pulp, which can result in losses of up to 100% if left uncontrolled. This pest may be introduced to new areas with fresh cherries or with soil or fruit from host plants grown in areas where this pest occurs.

What information is available?

Notices to industry

Plant pest credit card: European cherry fruit fly

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The adult is 3.5 to 4 mm long and predominantly black in colour. The wings are transparent, with characteristic dark crossbands. The scutellum of the thorax is yellow. Hosts include cherry and honeysuckle.

Signs of European cherry fruit fly include maggots in fruit, brown, rotting fruit, and maggot exit holes in cherries.

© 2017 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Aussi disponible en français. Use without permission is prohibited.

Photo credits: R. Coutin (OPIE), C. Daniel (FiBL), www.entomart.be, J. Grunder (ZHAW). Please report suspect specimens.

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