Spotted Wing Drosophila
Genus species: Drosophila suzukii
SWD appear similar to other vinegar flies. Adult flies are 2-3 mm in length, with red eyes, tan-colored body with darker bands on abdomen. Males have characteristic single spots at the leading edge of the tip of the wing and two dark spots on their front legs. Females lack wing spots and leg spots, but are distinguished by a robust, saw-toothed ovipositor (visible under magnification). Larvae are white, nondescript and legless.
- Spotted Wing Drosophila Identification Guide – Michigan State University
- Identifying Drosophila suzukii – Oregon Department of Agriculture
- How to Identify the Spotted Wing Drosophila Fly – Oregon State University (video)
- Finger Lakes SWD monitoring – Weekly videos that ID insects from SWD traps in and around Geneva, N.Y. will help you sort out look-alike insects.