Seasonality and host utilization of the invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens (Dipt., Tephritidae) in central Tanzania

The species diversity of tephritid fruit flies in major mango-growing regions in Uganda was monitored over a 2-year period (2010–2012) using fruit bait and lure traps. A total of 368,332 specimens belonging to 10 species in four genera (Bactrocera,Ceratitis,TrirhithrumandDacus) were collected. Of these, 98.9% belonged toBactrocera invadens, while the second and third most common species wereDacus bivittatus(0.4%) andCeratitis anonae(0.3%), respectively. Significant differences in the evenness and diversity of fruit fly species were noted across the regions. Fruit fly community structure was significantly different across the three regions. The Lake Victoria Crescent and Mbale Farmlands harboured significantly moreD. ciliatus,T. coffeae,D. bivittatusandB. cucurbitaein contrast to the Northern Moist Farmlands and the Western Medium High Farmlands.Ceratitis rosacontributed the highest difference in regional structure, followed byC. fasciventrisandC. cosyra. Rank abundance curves depicted a geometric series distribution of the species composition in the three regions, confirming a scenario of competitive displacement of native fruit fly species byB. invadens. A comprehensive and sustainable response strategy toB. invadensand other fruit flies needs to be urgently devised to protect the horticulture industry in Uganda.

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Host Plants and Host Plant Preference Studies for Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Kenya, a New Invasive Fruit Fly Species in Africa

Annals of the Entomological Society of America ◽

10.1603/0013-8746(2008)101[331:hpahpp]2.0.co;2 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 101 (2) ◽

pp. 331-340 ◽

Cited By ~ 72

Author(s):

Ivan Rwomushana ◽

Sunday Ekesi ◽

Ian Gordon ◽

Callistus K.P.O. Ogol

Keyword(s):

Host Plant ◽

Host Plants ◽

Fruit Fly ◽

Host Plant Preference ◽

Bactrocera Invadens

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Identification of Host Blends that Attract the African Invasive Fruit Fly, Bactrocera invadens

Journal of Chemical Ecology ◽

10.1007/s10886-014-0501-6 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 40 (9) ◽

pp. 966-976 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Tibebe Dejene Biasazin ◽

Miriam Frida Karlsson ◽

Ylva Hillbur ◽

Emiru Seyoum ◽

Teun Dekker

Keyword(s):

Fruit Fly ◽

Bactrocera Invadens

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Dominance of an invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera invadens, along an altitudinal transect in Morogoro, Eastern Central Tanzania

Bulletin of Entomological Research ◽

10.1017/s0007485313000722 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 104 (3) ◽

pp. 288-294 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

K. Geurts ◽

M.W. Mwatawala ◽

M. De Meyer

Keyword(s):

High Altitude ◽

Altitudinal Gradient ◽

Fruit Fly ◽

Invasive Pest ◽

Broad Host Range ◽

Pest Species ◽

Fruit Species ◽

Invasive Pest Species ◽

Bactrocera Invadens ◽

Ceratitis Cosyra

AbstractBactrocera invadens, a fruit fly from Asia, is an invasive pest species across Africa. It appears to continue spreading, not only in latitude but also in altitude. To assess its capacity to infest a large variety of hosts and its competition with other fruit fly species, a study along an altitudinal gradient was conducted. At low altitudes, the high abundance in the field and high infestation of B. invadens in different fruit species make it a serious pest. At high altitudes, colonization has started and B. invadens occurs in low numbers by reproducing successfully in high altitude fruits. Overall the abundance and infestation of B. invadens is influenced by its direct competitor Ceratitis rosa and the presence of its preferred host species. C. rosa is still the dominant species in temperate fruits grown at high altitude. Ceratitis cosyra, however, is negatively affected by B. invadens, this species seems to have shifted hosts to avoid competition. The broad host range and competitive potential of B. invadens increase the risk for further spread not only to higher areas, but also to subtropical regions.

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