Blueberry Maggot

Overview

This pest is widespread in the Maritimes and Eastern US, as well as some parts of Ontario and Quebec.

Damage

Maggots infest berries making them unmarketable.

Insect

Adults are black and grey flies, smaller than houseflies, approximately 5 mm long. Their clear wings have distinct black bands. Adult flies emerge in June and lay eggs just beneath the skin of developing berries. Larvae hatch and feed inside the berries. Maggots grow up to 8 mm in length and are milky white and legless. After 20 days, the maggots drop to pupate in the soil and overwinter.