Apple Maggot
Rhagoletis pomonella
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Description
The adult insect is a small, shiny black fly with a brown head, similiar to a housefly, but with black banded wings. The maggot or larval form is white, with two tiny black moth hooks on the small end. It is approximately 1/2" in length when mature. Damage These insects tend to attack summer and fall ripening varieties. Pupation occurs in the soil. The larvae tunnel through the flesh of the apple, usually near the core. When nearing maturity, they cut small round breathing holes through the skin of the fruit. |
| Stage | Timing | Where to Look |
| Adults | June 15 through September | On early varieties and maturing fruit. Presence or migration may be monitored with sticky traps. |
| Eggs (Sting) | 7-10 days after first emergence of adults | On sunny side of tree, more mature fruit; small but visible puncture, may cause dimpling. |
| Larvae (Maggot) | 2-10 days after eggs are laid | In the flesh of the apple, tunneling may appear as a brownish, irregular threadlike trail. |
| Pupae | Late July through early November | In soil within 50 mm (2 in) of surface. |