Apple-maggot
Guides
Rhagoletis
fruit flies
Rhagoletis is a genus of tephritid fruit flies comprising approximately 70–100 species. The genus name derives from Ancient Greek *rhago* (a kind of spider), possibly referencing the jumping spider mimicry observed in at least *R. pomonella*. Species are primarily phytophagous, with larvae developing in fruits of specific host plants. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the apple maggot (*R. pomonella*), blueberry maggot (*R. mendax*), and cherry fruit flies (*R. cingulata*, *R. cerasi*). The genus exhibits strong host specialization, with females showing preference for ovipositing in the host fruit where they developed.