The apple maggot is indigenous to North America and has been a serious pest of apples in Canada for over 100 years. It is now widespread throughout eastern Canada, with the exception of Newfoundland.

The principal hosts of the Apple Maggot are apple (Malus spp.) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.); sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) are also significant hosts in two states of the U.S.A. Other hosts are known.