Occurrence of fruit flies of the genera Anastrepha and Ceratitis (Diptera: Tephritidae), and their host plant availability in Costa Rica.
Jiron L. F., Hedström I.
Author Affiliation: Esculea de Fitotecnia, Museo de Insectos, Univ. Costa Rica, Ciudad Univ. Rodrigo Facio, San José, Costa Rica.
Florida Entomologist 71 : 62-73
Abstract : Collections of wild and cultivated tropical fruits were examined for infestation by Anastrepha spp. and Ceratitis capitata. Of 440 collections (with at least 4 fruits in each) from 201 sites throughout Costa Rica, 95% of tephritids belonged to the genera Anastrepha, while 4.7% were C. capitata. Anastrepha spp. had a strong preference for host plants within the same family. A. obliqua infested 92% of the attacked mango, 87.5% of Spondias mombin and 100% of S. dulcis and S. purpurea samples, all Anacardiaceae. A. striata was recovered from 97.8% of infested guava (Psidium guajava), 97% of P. friedrichsthalianum and 100% of P. savanarum samples. A. serpentina was the dominant species on Sapotaceae plants, being recovered from 100% of all infested Manilkara achras [sapodillas] and Pouteria caimito and 98% of Chrysophyllum cainito. A. manihoti and A. pickeli were associated with cassava (45.8 and 54.2% infestation, respectively). A. chiclayae infested 100% of Passiflora quadrangularis collections. A. distincta infested species of Inga exclusively. C. capitata was the only tephritid species recovered from peaches, at infestation rates of 7%. The annual phenology of the above plants is presented with additional observations on their interactions with tephritids.