The Bug Squashers

Wild berries are important for the way of life in the Upper Peninsula and Northwoods regions. Berries are used for food, are part of many cultural practices, and support and attract tourism. Berries are also important for wildlife. However, a fruit fly, the spotted winged drosophila (SWD), which is a huge agricultural pest, may be negatively impacting berries in these ecosystems by causing premature decay and yield losses. SWD has been detected in these regions but in general we have very little information on its presence and host range in natural areas.