Bactrocera philippinensis Drew and Hancock
Bactrocera philippinensis (Photographer: Anthony O'toole) DISTRIBUTION: Native to the Philippines and introduced to Palau. This species belongs to the Oriental fruit fly species complex, composed of fifty-two closely similar species in Tropical Asia. The species recorded in September 1996 in Palau, then identified as Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) based on trapped male flies is in fact, two other species of the complex (B. philippinensis and B. occipitalis). Host fruit surveying carried out in Palau in early 2001 has yielded fresh male and female specimens, that have helped identify correctly the species. B. dorsalis therefore does not occur in Palau.
HOST PLANTS: In the Philippines, this species was bred from breadfruit, papaya, mountain apple (Syzygium malaccense), mango and Pouteria duklitan (wild rainforest host) (Allwood et al, 1999). Intensive host fruit surveying is in process in Palau to determine the host range of the species.
BIOLOGY: Not yet studied in Palau. Research in progress in the Philippines.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE: A very destructive pest of edible fruits in Palau. Damage assessments in progress in Palau to determine its impact on each main host species.
MALE LURE: Methyl eugenol.
QUARANTINE SURVEILLANCE: Methyl eugenol trapping and regular host fruit surveys of high risk species, especially breadfruit and mango.
OPTIONS FOR RESPONSE (If newly discovered in a country): Increased trapping, increased host fruit sampling, restriction of fruit movement, protein bait spraying, male annihilation.
CONTROL: Fruit bagging, protein bait spraying, destruction of fallen and overripe fruits, early harvest of mature green fruits.
REFERENCES:
Allwood, A.J., Chinajariyawong, A., Drew, R.A.I., Hamacek, E.L., Hancock, D.L., Hengsawad, C., Jinapin, J.C., Jirasurat, M., Kong Krong, C., Kritsaneepaiboon, S., Leong, C.T.S., and S. Vijaysegaran. 1999. Host plant records for fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in South-East Asia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. Supplement 7. 92 pp. (Complete host list in Asia).
Drew, R.A.I. 1994.The Bactrocera dorsalis complex of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae) in Asia. Bulletin of Entomological Research. Supplement Series. Supplement 2. 68 pp. (Description and illustration).
Page updated on: 17 October, 2002