Invasive fly spreads from farms to forest

Thursday, 19 August 2021 03:02

Cherry Vinegar Fly: (c) Center for Invasive Species Research, University of California Riverside

A problematic invasive pest is spreading in Switzerland.

The Cherry Vinegar Fly is native to Asia, but is now becoming more common in Europe – as well as some parts of the United States.

The fly has been damaging to fruit crops for some time – but has now been detected in forests.

It lays its young in fruit, the lava eats the pulp before hatching.

The Federal Office for Forests, Snow and Landscape says it’s found the fly in wild blackberries, raspberries and elderberries. In many areas, the invasive insect was displacing native species, according to researchers.

Experts say there’s now work in trying to find a way to combat the fly – but more needs to be known on factors it favours.

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