We're quite sure it is, but there are differences in its look vs pictures I'm seeing online, e.g., the white striping on the rear end isn't thin solid lines, and the wings are brown not black and white striped. Many apples do have tiny entry holes, but more look perfect until cut into and a brown rotten core is revealed.
It is a bald faced hornet https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=bald%20faced%20hornet&qs=AS&form=QBIRMH&pq=bald%20f&sc=8-6&sp=1&sk= , not an apple maggot fly.
Black faced hornets love to feed on fruit pulp and they love apples. They are, most likely, responsible for the described by you tiny holes. Brown rotten core is usually a symptom of fungal infection. Have you actually seen maggots inside your apples? Could you post a picture of the inside of your damaged apple?
I haven't seen maggots yet, but I've only just starting cutting the apples open. I've inspected ones that had dropped and also picked a few to check them. Last year the apples looked much the same, dropped in great numbers around the end of August, and there were larvae inside the cores.
Yes, it looks like maggot damage. Information here http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/tfipm/applemaggot.htm may help you.
After reading more carefully the article in the link I have recommended I think it is more likely Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella) damage. See http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/tfipm/codlingmoth.htm
I think you're right. I have been confused about this since last year because the apples seemed to show evidence of either/both pests. This year we hung those sticky yellow squares but haven't caught anything identifiable. Thank you so much for your input.
Here is more on organic control methods for Coddling Moth http://www.weekendgardener.net/garden-pests/codling-moth-110611.htm At the end of the article they say "control can be achieved." It sounds well : )
