Spotted Wing Drosophila on Grapes
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Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is a serious invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits, including some grape cultivars. Adults have red eyes, clear wings, and bodies that are amber-colored and 1⁄10 inch long. Adult males have a single dark spot on each wing near the tip (the spot may not be apparent on newly emerged males) and two small but distinct dark “bands” on each front leg. The female is more difficult to identify, as she is distinguished by less obvious characteristics: serrated ovipositor, unbroken banding of the abdomen, and sharp appearance to the cross vein in the wing. Larvae, which infest and damage fruit, are legless, white and about 1⁄8 inch in length.
Spotted wing drosophila larvae (on blueberry).
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Spotted wing drosophila adult male.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Spotted wing drosophila adult female with distinct ovipositor.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Collect overripe, damaged, or rotting fruit in clear bags and leave in the sun.
- Cool or refrigerate berries immediately after harvest to slow egg hatching and larval development.
- Fine screening or netting can be used to cover small plantings.
- Set traps for adults 10 days before harvest.
- Treat weekly with insecticides if any adults are detected.
