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Biology

Collage image. Spotted Wing Drosophila (side view, left; top view, right) Sampling trap in raspberry field (center).
Features of SWD (Drosophila suzukii) ovipositor (left) vs non-suzukii ovpositor (right).
Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) has an ovipositor that enables it to pierce the skin of healthy fruit still attached to the plant. Drosophila suzukii ovipositor (left): Spines black – color intensity increases sclerotization or hardness. Largest spin located at the tip of ovipositor; punctures the skin of the fruit, allowing insertion of the ovipositor. Non-suzukii ovipositor: Blunt tip of ovipositor. Spines not blackened – less hardened or sclerotized. Cannot pierce skin of healthy fruit.

 

Two SWD mating on a strawberry.
SWD mating on strawberry.
Micrograph of a SWD ovipositor.
SWD ovipositor.
Close-up of a SWD ovipositing in fruit.
SWD ovipositing.
The life cycle of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD).
SWD life cycle.