European Grapevine Moth vs European Cherry Fruit Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Grapevine Moth European Cherry Fruit Fly
Scientific Name Lobesia botrana Rhagoletis cerasi
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Tortricidae Tephritidae
Size 12-13 mm wingspan 4-5 mm
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Fruit Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, South America (invasive) Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Grapevine Moth

A small marbled moth with complex grey, brown, and olive patterns on the forewings. It is the most economically important pest of grapes in the Mediterranean region.

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Did You Know?

Infested grapes produce wine with measurably higher volatile acidity and off-flavors.

European Cherry Fruit Fly

A small black fly with distinctive wing banding that infests sweet and sour cherries. Larvae feed inside cherries, causing them to rot and drop.

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Did You Know?

It is a textbook example of sympatric speciation, with host races on sweet and sour cherries.