Western Cherry Fruit Fly

Rhagoletis indifferens

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhagoletis indifferens: /ˌræɡəˈliːtɪs ɪnˈdɪfərəns/

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Summary

Rhagoletis indifferens, known as the western cherry fruit fly, is a significant pest that feeds on cherries, causing damage during both the adult and larval stages. Its distribution includes various western states and parts of Canada, and it has been introduced in other countries as well.

Physical Characteristics

Adult R. indifferens are slightly smaller than houseflies, with white stripes across the abdomen, yellow markings near the base of the wings, and black markings on the wings.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic white stripes on the abdomen and the unique wing markings to identify this species.

Habitat

Primarily found in areas where cherry trees grow, particularly around hosts from the Rosaceae family.

Distribution

Native to southeastern British Columbia (Canada), and various states in the western United States including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Also introduced to Switzerland.

Diet

Larvae feed on cherries, primarily Prunus emarginata and other species of the Rosaceae family.

Life Cycle

The lifecycle of R. indifferens includes an egg stage laid in cherries, followed by a larval stage that feeds on the fruit for 1-2 weeks before exiting to pupate.

Reproduction

Female flies lay eggs inside cherries, which hatch into larvae that feed internally on the fruit.

Ecosystem Role

As a pest, R. indifferens plays a role in the dynamics of fruit tree populations and may contribute to the selection pressures on host plants.

Economic Impact

Considered a pest due to the damage it causes to cherry crops, impacting agricultural yield and quality.

Collecting Methods

  • Trapping using baited traps specifically designed for fruit flies
  • Hand collection from infested fruits

Preservation Methods

  • Preserving specimens in ethanol or other suitable solutions for morphological study
  • Pinned specimens for taxonomic collections

Evolution

Previously classified as a subspecies of R. cingulata, now recognized as a distinct species.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse R. indifferens with other fruit-flies or consider them non-pest species due to their small size.

Tags

  • pest
  • fruit fly
  • Rhagoletis indifferens
  • agriculture
  • cherry
  • Tephritidae