Spotted Wing Drosophila vs Indian Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spotted Wing Drosophila | Indian Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Drosophila suzukii | Mylabris pustulata |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Drosophilidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Asia, worldwide (invasive) | South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spotted Wing Drosophila
An invasive fruit fly from East Asia with a saw-like ovipositor that lets it lay eggs in ripening (not rotten) fruit — devastating soft fruit crops worldwide since its spread in 2008.
Did You Know?
Unlike most fruit flies that only attack rotting fruit, this species cuts into perfectly ripe fruit with its serrated ovipositor — causing billions in crop damage globally.
Indian Blister Beetle
A striking beetle with black elytra marked with bright red or orange bands and spots. It produces cantharidin, a powerful blistering agent, and feeds on flowers in agricultural fields during monsoon season.
Did You Know?
Despite being a flower pest, blister beetle larvae are beneficial because they consume enormous quantities of grasshopper egg pods in the soil.