Spotted Wing Drosophila vs Vine Mealybug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spotted Wing Drosophila | Vine Mealybug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Drosophila suzukii | Planococcus ficus |
| Order | Diptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Drosophilidae | Pseudococcidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Orchards |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Asia, worldwide (invasive) | Mediterranean, California, South Africa, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Vine Mealybug
A pink-bodied mealybug covered in white wax that has become a major pest of vineyards worldwide. It feeds on vine roots, trunks, and fruit clusters, transmitting grapevine leafroll virus.
Did You Know?
It can hide under bark and in root crevices, making it nearly impossible to reach with contact insecticides.