Drosophila suzukii Matsumara 1931

Spotted Wing Drosophila or Japanese Drosophila

This Drosophila is of Asian origin. It was first described in 1931 in Japan. Its strong capacities for adaptation and geographical dispersion have enabled it to gradually infest the Asian, American and European continents. In Europe, the first detections were reported in October 2008 in Spain (Catalonia), then in September 2009 in Italy and in the South-East of France on red fruits.

Attacks on strawberries, which is one of the most attractive fruits, were recorded in 2010 in the Alpes Maritimes. Today, a large part of the southern half of France is affected by this new pest. In 2011, the first individuals in the southwestern vineyard were reported, without damage to the harvest. Then in 2013, this species was observed carrying out its complete cycle in the vineyard.

Drosophila suzukii is not a quarantine pest, so it is not subject to compulsory control. However, it is part of the A2 alert list of EPPO (European and Mediterranean Organization for the Protection of Plants). The level of damage observed on various fruit species, including strawberries, and its invasive capacity actually make it a harmful organism of concern at national and European level.

Field identification of adults of Drosophila suzukii is hazardous because there are many species of Drosophila with red eyes, including Drosophila melanogaster , commonly known as the vinegar fly. To be identified, the adult insect must be dissected and observed under a binocular magnifying glass in order to determine with certainty the species. 

Bibliography: Delbac et al. (2014) Phytoma, 679, 16-21

Classification : Animalia, Arthropoda, Insecta, Diptera, Drosophilidae
Synonyms : cherry fruit fly, Asian midge, Japanese fruit fly
English name : spotted wing drosophila