suzukii

Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as the spotted-wing drosophila, is a fruit fly species in the family Drosophilidae. It was described by Matsumura in 1931 and is native to East Asia, including Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan. In recent decades it has become a significant agricultural pest beyond its native range, particularly in North America and Europe.

Unlike many other fruit flies, female D. suzukii possess a serrated ovipositor that allows them to lay eggs in ripening and even undamaged fruit. The eggs hatch after a few days, and the larvae develop inside the fruit, potentially causing substantial crop losses. Development and the number of generations per season are strongly influenced by temperature; warm climates can support multiple generations. The species has spread from East Asia to numerous other regions, infesting crops such as cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and plums, among other soft-skinned fruits. Infested fruit may show puncture marks, internal decay, and premature drop.

Management relies on integrated pest management strategies. Monitoring with traps and attractants helps detect presence and inform controls. Cultural practices include sanitation to remove and destroy infested fruit, timely harvest, and, where feasible, physical exclusion such as netting. Chemicalcontrol is used when necessary, with attention to resistance management. Research into biological control using parasitoid wasps and other natural enemies is ongoing, alongside efforts to improve forecasting and cultural practices to reduce economic losses from this pest.