BIOSECURITY
Spot the difference MEDI T E RRA N E A N F RUI T F LY V S Q U EEN S L A N D F R U I T F LY
Report anything unusual in your
There are two main species of fruit flies threatening Australia's $13 billion horticultural industry: the Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) and the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata).
backyard or on your farm by calling
feeding and jump out from produce,
the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800
burrowing into the ground and
084 881.
changing into brown, barrel-shaped
Breaking the life cycle of Qfly or Medfly
pupae.
- Both Qfly and Medfly can lay hundreds of eggs during their lifespan.
Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) occurs in
- When fully grown, larvae stop
- Adult Qfly and Medfly will develop inside the pupae and emerge from the ground, ready to breed. - I nfested fruit or vegetables that fall to the ground allow the life cycle to
- Multiple generations can occur in a
the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and is
year, when temperature and humidity
endemic to Australia. Mediterranean
conditions are ideal.
fruit fly (Medfly) is an introduced
- The female of both pierces (stings)
pest and is only present in Western
maturing fruit and lays eggs just
Australia, mostly in the south-west of
below the surface.
the state.
continue. v Sources: National Fruit Fly Council; Plant Health Australia; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Eggs hatch after two to three
However, growers must remain vigilant
days and the creamy-white larvae
for any incursions of Medfly from west
(maggots) start developing.
to east, or Qfly from east to west.
Q F LY - Distinct yellow markings on the sideas and back
DISTRIBUTION OF FRUIT FLY IN AUSTRALIA
- Larvae (maggots) are creamy white and about 5-10mm long - Adults are up to 8mm long - Elongated redish brown body - Transparent wings
M E D F LY - Adults are 3-5mm long - Light brown body with numerous black areas in a characteristic pattern. - Mottled transparent wings with distinctive brown bands - Larvae (maggots) are creamy white and about 7-8mm long
VINE MAGAZINE 31
