In some areas it is the most important preharvest pest. In addition to highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L., and lowbush blueberry, the insect will infest huckleberry, Gaylussacia baccata . To date it has not been reported as important in Virginia, but this may result from unidentified infestations. See the NCSU photo of adult on blueberry, and USDA photo of larva in fruit.
Adults are mainly black with some white markings.
The abdomen of the female has four white bands, in contrast with the three found on the male. The thorax is black with a white, backward-projecting section on the rear. Development is resumed in spring. Larvae hatch in about 5 days, feeding in the pulp of fruit for about 2 weeks. Larvae then leave berries, enter the soil to pupate.