MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management

The spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) is an invasive pest of berries, stone fruit, grapes, and some other fruit crops. It is native to Asia but was first detected in North America in California during 2008. Since then, it has spread to many of the primary fruit production regions of the United States. In Michigan, the first SWD were found in late 2010 (Figure 1). In 2011 the first captures were in early July, whereas in 2012 first captures were in late May. This season, first captures were in early June, with significant increase in catches during mid- to late-July.

Across Michigan, SWD is now found throughout the fruit production regions, and it has been found in fields of blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, cherry, and grape, also in many wild habitats where the flies infest wild fruiting plants. It has also been detected in highway rest areas, cities, and wild areas so it seems well established in this region. Catches have also been reported in most fruit-producing states of the US.

For detailed fact sheets, identification guides, and weekly reports on this pest during the growing season, see the online resources at www.ipm.msu.edu/SWD.htm