Queensland Fruit Fly
Scientific Name: Bactrocera (Bactrocera) tryoni
Size: Total Length 5-8mm
What does it look like?
The Queensland Fruit Fly, or Q-Fly, is reddish-brown to dark brown and yellow, with red eyes and membranous wings.
Where is it found?
Mainly through Qld and NSW, but also in major fruit-growing areas of Vic and SA.
What are its habitats & habits?
Found in most areas with fruiting trees, including commercial orchards, where adults feed on nectar, fruit juices and honeydew. Adults breed late spring to autumn, and able to survive during winter months. Females lay eggs in fruits, either by oviposition through skin, or into open wounds and puncture marks from other fruit pests. Eggs hatch after 2–3 days and larvae feed on flesh of fruit for about 5 days before falling to the ground to pupate in soil.
Interesting facts
Major horticultural pest of many fruit species, with strict controls in place to prevent its spread.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Insects of Australia
