Eastern Cherry Fruit Fly
Rhagoletis cingulata
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Tephritoidea
- Family: Tephritidae
- Subfamily: Trypetinae
- Tribe: Carpomyini
- Subtribe: Carpomyina
- Genus: Rhagoletis
- Species: cingulata
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhagoletis cingulata: //ræɡoʊˈliːtɪs sɪŋɡjuːˈlɑːtə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Summary
Rhagoletis cingulata, commonly known as the Eastern Cherry Fruit Fly, is a pest species of fruit fly that primarily infests cherry fruits. It has an extensive range in North America and is recognized for its life cycle that involves larvae developing within the fruit, resulting in significant agricultural concerns, particularly in cherry production.
Physical Characteristics
Adults measure 4–5 mm in length. The larvae, known as cherry maggots, develop inside the fruit of host plants.
Identification Tips
Look for adult flies around cherry trees; they are similar in appearance to other fruit flies but can be identified by specific morphological traits.
Habitat
Typically found in areas where cherry trees (Prunus spp.) are present, including orchards and wild fruiting trees.
Distribution
Ranges from Canada to central Mexico, with a presence in the eastern and midwestern United States from Quebec and Michigan to Florida, Texas, and Arizona.
Diet
Adults feed on moisture from leaves and fruits, particularly those of the Rosaceae family.
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Larvae develop inside fruit and emerge as adults.
Reproduction
Females lay up to 400 eggs in fruits of host plants, primarily on cherries.
Predators
Predators may include birds and other insectivorous animals that feed on the larvae or adult flies.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as both a pollinator and a pest; its larvae can cause significant damage to fruit crops.
Economic Impact
Considered a pest in cherry orchards, leading to economic loss due to crop damage.
Collecting Methods
- Trapping adult flies using bait traps
- Monitoring fruit trees for larval presence
Preservation Methods
- Preservation in ethanol or other alcohol solutions
- Freezing to prevent fruit damage
Similar Taxa
- Other species in the genus Rhagoletis
- Other tephritid flies
Misconceptions
Often confused with other fruit flies, but specific to cherry trees and native host plants.
Tags
- fruit fly
- agricultural pest
- tephritidae
- east coast
- cherry orchards