Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Flies, moths, wasps,and other insects with obvious wings - Under 1/4 inch long > Apple maggot

Apple maggot

Rhagoletis pomonella

University of Minnesota, Department of Entomology

Description: 1/4 inch long. Black body with a white spot in the center. Three or found thin white lines on the back of the abdomen. Clear wings with a characteristic black pattern.

Where/When: Primarily feeds on apples and large crab apples. Appears in early July and is active until September. Peak activity occurs from late July through early August.

Significance: Causes distorted fruits due to oviposition by adult flies. Pulp breaks down, discolors, and starts to rot as a result of maggots tunneling through the flesh.

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