Distribution and Host Utilization of Bactrocera latifrons (Diptera: Tephritidae) on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii

Abstract

A survey was made on the island of Kauai using hydrolyzed protein traps, fruit traps and monthly fruit collections to determine the distribution, abundance, and host preferences of Bactrocera latifrons Hendel. No B. latifrons were found in protein bait traps that caught B. dorsalis Hendel, B. cucurbitae Coquillet, and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Fruit traps baited with eggplant, Solanum melongena L., and zucchini squash, Cucumis melo L., were used for the first time to detect B. latifrons. B. latifrons was found for the first time on Kauai infesting tomato, Lycopersicum esculentum Miller. In addition to tomato, the fly was found infesting home garden eggplant and pepper, S. nigrum L. B. latifrons was found jointly infesting fruit collections of eggplant, and tomato with B. dorsalis and B. cucurbitae, and pepper with B. dorsalis. Also, for the first time in Kauai, B. dorsalis and B. cucurbitae were recovered from lei kikania, S. aculeatissimum Jacq. Distribution of the fly was confined primarily to the arid west side of Kauai in low numbers in the towns of Kekaha, Waimea, and Hanapepe. Fruit collections were the most sensitive and reliable indicators of B. latifrons occurrence and host utilization. Niche biology and ecology of B. latifrons is discussed in relation to distribution, habitat and host sharing between species of tephritid fruit flies.