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Invasive Phytophagous Pests Arising Through a Recent Tropical Evolutionary Raditation : The bactrocera dorsalis complex of fruit flies

Clarke, Anthony R. and Armstrong, Karen F. and Carmichael, Amy E. and Milne, John R. and Roderick, George K. and Yeates, David K. (2005) Invasive Phytophagous Pests Arising Through a Recent Tropical Evolutionary Raditation : The bactrocera dorsalis complex of fruit flies . Annual Review of Entomology 50:pp. 293-319.

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Abstract

The Bactrocera dorsalis complex of tropical fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae) contains 75 described species, largely endemic to South-east Asia. Within the complex are a small number of polyphagous pests of international significance, including B. dorsalis s.s., B. papayae, B. carambolae and B. philippinensis. The majority of species within the complex were first described in 1994 and since then substantial research has been undertaken in developing morphological and molecular diagnostic techniques for their recognition. Such techniques can now resolve most taxa adequately. Genetic evidence suggests that the complex has evolved in only the last few million years and development of a phylogeny of the group is considered a high priority to provide a framework for future evolutionary and ecological studies. As model systems, mating studies on B. dorsalis s.s. and B. cacuminata have substantially advanced our understanding of insect use of plant-derived chemicals for mating, but such studies have not been applied to help resolve the limits of biological species within the complex. Although commonly regarded as major pests, we note that there is very little published evidence documenting economic losses caused by flies of the B. dorsalis complex. Quantification of economic losses caused by B. dorsalis complex species is urgently needed to prioritise research for quarantine and management. Although documented invaders, relatively little work has been done on the invasion biology of the complex and this is a further area warranting work

Item Type:Journal Article
RM Number:2006001402
Status:Published
Keywords:diagnostics; larval host range; invasion biology; resource use; pest status
Subjects:270000 Biological Sciences
ID Code:3257
Deposited By:Clarke, Anthony R
Deposited On:19 July 2006
Alternative Locations:http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ento.50.071803.130428
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2005 Annual Reviews Inc
Copyright Statement:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.