Diagnosis
Morphological – adult
Scutum and abdomen predominantly black. Wing markings consist of broad dark fuscous basal band and an F-shaped pattern across the entire membrane. It also lacks dark markings on the fore femora and the female aculeus is shorter than in other species (aculeus length 0.73 – 0.89 mm).
Morphological – larvae
See Pest Fruit Flies of the World – Larvae.
Molecular
DNA barcoding
BOLD reference data available, but cannot be distinguished from R. pomonella.
PCR-RFLP Test 1
BsrI: Data not available
HinfI: Data not available
HhaI: Data not available
Sau3AI: Data not available
SnaBI: Data not available
SspI: Data not available
Vspl: Data not available
PCR-RFLP Test 2
Data not available.
Gallery
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Rhagoletis mendax - Entire Body Dorsal Classic MEN001
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Rhagoletis mendax - Entire Body Lateral Classic MEN001
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Rhagoletis mendax - Head Classic MEN001
Host Range
Recorded from 11 species of the genus Vaccinium (family Ericaceae). A serious pest of blueberries in Eastern USA.
Distribution
Eastern USA
Similar species
Rhagoletis mendax has often been confused with R. pomonella. It is separated from R. pomonella by the absence of dark markings on the fore femora and the shorter aculeus. Host data may also be useful in diagnosing these species from each other, as R. pomonella has not been recorded from Ericaceae host plants.
Pest Status
- Exotic
- A significant pest of blueberries in Eastern USA
Attractant/Lure
No known record.
