The spotted wing Drosophila is native to southeast Asia
Michigan State University Extension researchers have found a
various nasty Asian fruit fly — the spotted wing Drosophila — in several areas in the southern end of the state. The fly attacks fruits that are among Michigan's most popular, including the cherries available at Overhiser Orchards.
Researchers believe the invader has the potential to severely damage fruit crops if not managed properly.And after a season that included spring freezes and record summer rainfalls, Overhiser is taking the arrival of Michigan's latest invasive species in stride."It's just one more thing for us to learn about over the winter," he said.
The spotted wing Drosophila is native to southeast Asia, but has been turning up in unexpected places lately. First spotted in California in 2008, the
various fly was then seen north in Oregon and Washington. It has even been found in Florida.
