Eastern Raspberry Fruitworm: Appearance, Territory, Damage and Life Cycle

Latin Name: Byturus Rubi

Appearance: Raspberry fruitworms, often known as raspberry beetles (or raspberry fruit worms), are members of the Butyridae family of beetles. Previously, raspberry fruitworm was thought to be divided into two species, one eastern and one western. The adult is a tiny, hairy light brown beetle approximately an eighth of an inch long. Larvae that are whitish in color can be found in harvested fruit.

During the spring and early summer, the raspberry fruitworm is a little (1/4″) brown beetle that feeds on the flower buds and leaves of raspberry plants. Female beetles deposit their eggs on the blooms and green fruit of the plant. The grubs that emerge are yellowish white in color and feed on the fruit, growing to be approximately 3/8″ long. This bug may kill many of the blossoms and fruits, and the larvae may wind up in the harvested fruit, substantially lowering customer attractiveness.

Hosts Plants: Raspberry

Territory: Its range stretches from California and Arizona all the way up to the Arctic Circle in Canada.

Damage Insect Cause: The harm produced by these beetles can range from a single worm in a homegrown raspberry to serious leaf devastation and berry infestation across your crop. Furthermore, severe leaf damage might result in a weaker plant that produces fewer fruits. There is some indication that this bug is more prevalent in weedy plants. Cover sprays should be used before to bloom if early damage is observed (e.g., tiny holes eaten in flower buds and skeletonization of leaves). Adults (beetles) are most active and visible on plants in the early evening. For suggested products and timing, consult the pest management schedule.

Life History and Habits: Adults emerge in April after the pupae have overwintered and are more active in the early evening. Adults eat along the midribs of unfolding leaves initially. Look for circular holes on the leaves caused by adult eating. Beetles will feast on the blooms when the buds open. Female beetles deposit their eggs on or near bloom buds, and the larvae hatch and feed on the blossoms or little fruit. When the larvae have finished developing, they fall to the ground (typically around July), where they pupate and spend the winter. Sprays can be used both early and late in the pre-bloom phase.