Insect identification - Ask Extension
Can you help identify this fly? I’ve seen it landing on my jalapeño and peppers. It appears to pierce the flesh and leaves behind small scars. I sa...
Knowledgebase
Insect identification #878369
Asked July 23, 2024, 7:48 AM EDT
Can you help identify this fly? I’ve seen it landing on my jalapeño and peppers. It appears to pierce the flesh and leaves behind small scars. I saw photos of Apple maggot but this fly has a tan body. Is my produce safe to eat? How Can I protect it from the insect? I don’t use pesticides and this is the second year with this pest. The photos are of the fly on an immature jalapeño.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
This is pepper maggot. The fly lays its eggs within peppers, and they will cause soft spot and rot within the fruit.
You'll want to check your peppers for oviposition scars (see the article for photo). There's not much to do for control. For future seasons, you can cover plants with netting to prevent them from laying eggs or rotate and not grow peppers or other plants in the same family during the next season.
You'll want to check your peppers for oviposition scars (see the article for photo). There's not much to do for control. For future seasons, you can cover plants with netting to prevent them from laying eggs or rotate and not grow peppers or other plants in the same family during the next season.
