The apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella), also known as the railroad worm (but distinct from the Phrixothrix beetle larva, also called railroad worm), is a species of fruit fly, and a pest of several types of fruits, especially apples. This species evolved about 150 years ago through a sympatric shift from the native host hawthorn to the domesticated apple species Malus domestica in the northeastern United States. This fly is believed to have been accidentally spread to the western United States from the endemic eastern United States region through contaminated apples at multiple points throughout the 20th century. The apple maggot uses Batesian mimicry as a method of defense, with coloration resembling that of the forelegs and pedipalps of a jumping spider (family Salticidae).
The adult form of this insect is about 5 mm (0.20 in) long, slightly smaller than a housefly. The larva, which is the stage of this insect's lifecycle that causes the actual damage to the fruit, is similar to a typical fly larva or maggot. Caterpillars, especially the larvae of the codling moth, that infest the insides of apples are often confused with the apple maggot. However, these organisms generally feed in the apple's core while apple maggots feed on the fruit flesh. The apple maggot larvae are often difficult to detect in infested fruit due to their pale, cream color and small body size. The adult fly lays its eggs inside the fruit. Larvae consume the fruit and cause it to bruise, decay, and finally drop before ripening. The insect overwinters as a pupa in the soil. It only emerges after metamorphosis into a relatively defenseless fly. Adults emerge from late June through September, with their peak flight times occurring in August.
The applemaggot (Rhagoletis pomonella), also known as the railroad worm (but distinct from the Phrixothrix beetle larva, also called railroad worm), is...
The AppleMaggot Quarantine Area is a permanent quarantine area established by the U.S. state of Washington. The quarantine was authorized under Washington...
spot, and bitter rot. Other pests that affect apple trees include Codling moths and applemaggots. Young apple trees are also prone to mammal pests like mice...
used for luring of applemaggots in Washington State, to monitor the spread of the infestation and adjust the borders of the AppleMaggot Quarantine Area...
reddish liquid. The term "railroad worm" is also sometimes applied to the applemaggot. Branham, Marc (February 2005). "EENY332/IN609: Glow-Worms, Railroad-Worms...
pomonella, the applemaggot, may be currently undergoing sympatric or, more precisely, heteropatric (see heteropatry) speciation. The apple feeding race...
Mexico–United States border contiguous with California's southern frontier. AppleMaggot Quarantine Area Plant Protection and Quarantine Fleury, A C. (December...
beetle. A. aenea adults are predators that eat other insects, such as the applemaggot and soybean aphid, which are considered pests by the agriculture industry...
important apple-growing region. The program consists of an AppleMaggot Quarantine Area, which establishes a pest-free area. The agency also deploys apple maggot...
cost of sex. The hawthorn fly (Rhagoletis pomonella), also known as the applemaggot fly, appears to be undergoing sympatric speciation. Different populations...
Tephritidae, are true fruit flies because they are frugivorous, and include applemaggot flies and many pests. The best known species of the Drosophilidae is...
the case of the hawthorn fly, Rhagoletis pomonella, also known as the applemaggot fly, which appears to be undergoing sympatric speciation. Different populations...
fruit fly known by the common name blueberry maggot. The blueberry maggot is closely related to the applemaggot (R. pomonella), a larger fruit fly in the...
The bacterial species "Pseudomonas melophthora", can be found in the applemaggot, Rhagoletis pomonella. This can be considered a form of symbiosis as...
identified instances for further research on its resistance for applemaggots and apple leaf curling midges. Effects of heat on M. sieversii were also...
African bollworm African cotton leafworm Apple brown tortrix Apple clearwing moth Apple fruit moth Applemaggot Artichoke moth Asian beetle Asian corn borer...
the family Braconidae. It is a parasitoid of Rhagoletis pomonella, the applemaggot. The wasp lays its eggs into third-instar larvae of the fly, which then...
Jiggins, Chris D.; Bridle, Jon R. (March 2004). "Speciation in the applemaggot fly: a blend of vintages?". Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 19 (3): 111–114...
Agric. 3, 19-24. Monteith, L. G. 1971. Crickets as predators of the applemaggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae). Can. Entomol. 103, 52-58...
Jiggins, Chris D.; Bridle, Jon R. (March 2004). "Speciation in the applemaggot fly: a blend of vintages?". Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 19 (3): 111–114...
ofRhagoletis zephyriaSnow, 1894 (Diptera: Tephritidae) captures for applemaggot surveys and fly ecology in Washington State, U.S.A." Pan-Pacific Entomologist...
is indicated in the three-spined sticklebacks as well as the applemaggot fly and its apple hosts. A pollinator can change preferences due to its own evolution...
multiple species of Rhagoletis fruit flies, including R. pomonella, the applemaggot fly. This wasp has been found throughout much of the United States and...
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