CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

In which stage does the cherry fruit fly cause damage?

1. All stages

2. Adult stage

3. Pupal stage

4. Larval stage

The correct answer is: Larval stage

The cherry fruit fly primarily causes damage during the larval stage. In this developmental phase, the larvae feed within the cherries, leading to significant fruit decay and unmarketable fruit. This internal feeding disrupts the fruit's integrity, often causing the cherries to become mushy, discolored, and ultimately fall from the tree. While adults do lay eggs in the fruit, it is the larval stage where the actual feeding and associated damage occur. The adult stage itself does not cause harm; rather, it is focused on reproduction. The pupal stage is a transformation phase where the larvae mature into adults, with no feeding or direct damage inflicted during this period. Thus, damage from the cherry fruit fly is specifically linked to the activities of the larvae within the fruit, making this stage critical for pest management and control strategies.