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Insects
Special Issues
Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): Behavior, Ecology and Integrated Management
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Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): Behavior, Ecology and Integrated Management

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Behavior and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 9521

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Papadopoulos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou St., 384 46 Volos, Greece
Interests: insect ecology; biodemography; invasion biology; population ecology; pest management; behavioral ecology; fruit flies; Tephritidae; mosquito
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marc De Meyer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), Leuvensesteenweg 13-17, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium
Interests: Diptera; taxonomy; phylogeny; insect-plant relationships

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) comprise a globally distrubuted group of more that 5,000 species, including many major fruit and vegetable pests. Because the females lay eggs in the fruit mesocarp, and then the larvae feed on them, infestation often goes unnoticed, and invasive species can travel long distances through trading and passenger travel, where they become established as major pests. Major invasive pests, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and the Oriental fruit fly, pose a huge threat to global fresh fruit production and trade. Because of the importance of fruit flies, there are major national and international initiatives to address them in a coordinated manner. For example, regional projects against fruit flies, such as the one in Central America to keep North America free from the Mediterranean fruit fly, have operated for decades. In addition, fruit flies serve as model species in basic research on genetics, aging, life history evolution, physiology, behavior and gerontology.

This Special Issue welcomes papers focusing on fruit fly pests of fruits and vegetables. Original research and review paper covering a wide range of subjects will be accepted, including basic research on stress physiology, behavior, ecology, invasion biology, genetics, microbiology, and management using conventional and alternative methods, such as the application of the Sterile Insect Technique.

Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Papadopoulos
Dr. Marc De Meyer
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fruit flies
  • Tephritidae
  • ecology
  • pest management
  • behaviour
  • fruit and vegetable pests

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 6223 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Analysis of Quantum Dots as a Marking Technique for Ceratitis capitata
by Richard Wimbush, Pia Addison, Francois Bekker, Minette Karsten, Melissa Powell, George Marais, Aaisha Moerat, Anandie Bierman and John S. Terblanche
Insects 2025, 16(3), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030270 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 725
Abstract
This study evaluates the potential of quantum dots (QDs) as a marking method for Mediterranean fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata) (Medfly) in comparison to traditional fluorescent powder. As a highly destructive pest impacting a wide variety of fruit crops, an effective marking [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the potential of quantum dots (QDs) as a marking method for Mediterranean fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata) (Medfly) in comparison to traditional fluorescent powder. As a highly destructive pest impacting a wide variety of fruit crops, an effective marking technique is essential for improving the biological understanding and management of Medflies, including control strategies like the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Through multiple controlled experiments, we examined the effects of QDs and fluorescent powder markers on Medfly flight ability, marker retention rates, and marker durability and stability under diverse storage conditions. Fluorescent powder demonstrated consistently high reliability across all parameters, whereas QDs showed reduced retention, particularly when applied to pupae, and had a more pronounced negative effect on flight ability. This was illustrated by the field trials, which did not recapture any of the QD-marked flies, highlighting the current limitations in QD application methods. Additionally, fluorescent powders outperformed QDs in both long-term storage conditions and short-term stability tests. These findings indicate that while QDs possess potential as marking agents, further refinement of application techniques is required to achieve comparable efficacy to fluorescent powders in pest management contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): Behavior, Ecology and Integrated Management)
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20 pages, 3229 KiB  
Article
Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Minas Gerais, Brazil: Trophic Interactions and New Reports
by Rosamara Souza Coelho, Clarice Alvarenga, Marvin Pec, Ana Luisa Rodrigues-Silva, Pedro Maranha Peche, Emanoel Alves and Rosangela Marucci
Insects 2025, 16(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010017 - 28 Dec 2024
Viewed by 823
Abstract
A diverse orchard with fruit fly hosts may provide information about trophic relationships, including new insights into beneficial insects. We evaluated the composition of the fruit fly complex to provide information on tephritid species, parasitoids and multitrophic interactions for the southern region of [...] Read more.
A diverse orchard with fruit fly hosts may provide information about trophic relationships, including new insights into beneficial insects. We evaluated the composition of the fruit fly complex to provide information on tephritid species, parasitoids and multitrophic interactions for the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sampling was carried out using traps and by collecting fruits from plants and/or the ground according to availability/the fruiting period. Occurrences of Anastrepha amita Zucchi and A. punctata Hendel were recorded for the first time in the state of Minas Gerais, and new trophic associations were obtained for A. bahiensis Lima, A. bistrigata Bezzi, A. fraterculus (Wiedemann), A. obliqua (Macquart) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Ten tephritid species were obtained from trap sampling, with C. capitata, A. fraterculus and A. obliqua being the most abundant. Five species of fruit flies and seven species of parasitoids were obtained from fruits. The braconid Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) was the most frequently collected among the parasitoid species. Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) and purple guava (Psidium myrtoides O. Berg) fruits were classified as repositories of fruit fly parasitoids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): Behavior, Ecology and Integrated Management)
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14 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
Effect of Olive Fruit Volatiles on Landing, Egg Production, and Longevity of Bactrocera oleae Females under Different Temperatures
by Anastasia Kokkari, Nikos A. Kouloussis, George Floros and Dimitrios S. Koveos
Insects 2024, 15(9), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090728 - 21 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1168
Abstract
Females of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae use various contact and volatile plant stimuli to find olive fruits and lay their eggs on them. We detected certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the olive fruit and studied their effect on female [...] Read more.
Females of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae use various contact and volatile plant stimuli to find olive fruits and lay their eggs on them. We detected certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the olive fruit and studied their effect on female landings on olive fruits, egg production, and longevity under a series of different temperatures from 15 °C to 35 °C. When female flies were maintained at temperatures from 17 °C to 30 °C and exposed to different fruit VOCs either increased or decreased, depending on the substance tested, their landings on olives, egg production, and longevity. Temperature significantly affected the females’ responses to fruit VOCs. The highest responses of the flies to fruit VOCs were observed at 30 °C, except for longevity. By contrast, at 15 °C or 35 °C, the flies did not show any response to VOCs. Our results may contribute to a better understanding of the olive fly positive or negative responses to fruit VOCs and the improvement of its control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): Behavior, Ecology and Integrated Management)
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22 pages, 7091 KiB  
Article
Do Phagostimulants, Alone or Combined with Ammonium Acetate, Di-Ammonium Phosphate, and Acetic Acid, Effectively Attract Both Sexes of Peach Fruit Flies, Bactrocera zonata (Diptera: Tephritidae)?: Insights from Laboratory and Field Bioassays
by Muhammad Junaid Nisar, Muhammad Dildar Gogi, Asim Abbasi, Bilal Atta, Qudsia Yousafi, Inzamam Ul Haq, Mishal Subhan, Hayssam M. Ali, Waleed A. A. Alsakkaf and Mohamed S. Basiouny
Insects 2024, 15(7), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070470 - 24 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2055
Abstract
Laboratory and field assays of three sets of experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of different phagostimulants alone and in combination with other phagostimulant lure sources, such as ammonium acetate, DAP, and acetic acid, on the attractancy of both sexes of B. [...] Read more.
Laboratory and field assays of three sets of experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of different phagostimulants alone and in combination with other phagostimulant lure sources, such as ammonium acetate, DAP, and acetic acid, on the attractancy of both sexes of B. zonata. In the first experiment, the laboratory olfactometer study revealed that out of eleven phagostimulants, banana, mulberry, mango, guava, molasses, and protein hydrolysate exhibited moderate attractancy (15.2–60.2%) to B. zonata. Unexpectedly, banana and protein hydrolysate were demonstrated to be highly attractive phagostimulants for starved female B. zonata (53.6% and 60.2%, respectively). In the field study, none of the tested phagostimulants exhibited high attractancy; however, banana, mulberry, protein hydrolysate, guava, mango, and molasses demonstrated moderate attractancy (5.6–35.6%) to B. zonata. In the second experiment, out of five phagostimulant-mixtures, phagostimulant-mixture-4 proved highly attractive (40.5–68.6% and 45.5–51.2%), followed by phagostimulant-mixture-3, which proved to be moderately attractive (17.0–22.5% and 28.4–36.1%) to B. zonata in olfactometer and field studies, respectively. In the third experiment, out of five phagostimulant-AdMixtures, phagostimulant-AdMixture-4 demonstrated strong attractiveness in the olfactometer (41.6–68.7%) and field studies (52.7–58.7%) for B. zonata, while the rest of the AdMixtures demonstrated moderate to no attractiveness for B. zonata. So, phagostimulant-AdMixture-4 with GF-120 could be used in the development of a phagostimulant bait station which attracts the maximum B. zonata population and ultimately provides pest-free fruits to the farmers Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): Behavior, Ecology and Integrated Management)
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Review

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24 pages, 3609 KiB  
Review
Economically Important Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Ghana and Their Regulatory Pest Management
by Elvis Opoku, Muhammad Haseeb, Erick J. Rodriguez, Gary J. Steck and Maria J. S. Cabral
Insects 2025, 16(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030285 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1905
Abstract
Tephritid fruit flies are serious pests of Ghana’s numerous economically important fruits and vegetables. Their damages include rotting, premature ripening, and dropping of fruits, which lead to severe production losses, reduction in export volumes, trade restrictions, and other health implications when infested fruits [...] Read more.
Tephritid fruit flies are serious pests of Ghana’s numerous economically important fruits and vegetables. Their damages include rotting, premature ripening, and dropping of fruits, which lead to severe production losses, reduction in export volumes, trade restrictions, and other health implications when infested fruits are consumed. Due to the activities of these pests, less than 10% of fruits (especially mango) and vegetables produced are exported, and more than 60% of them end up in waste yearly. With current regulatory measures, Ghana has made significant progress in managing fruit flies, especially after the European Union (EU) ban in 2015. However, the pests remain problematic in the sub-region. A more coordinated nationwide approach and investments in postharvest treatment facilities are anticipated to help reduce pest populations, increase trading volumes and incomes, increase access to other markets, including the United States, and boost Ghana’s economy. It is estimated that for every US$1 invested in managing fruit flies, the return on investment is US$93. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): Behavior, Ecology and Integrated Management)
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28 pages, 4445 KiB  
Review
Invasion History and Dispersion Dynamics of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly in the Balkan Peninsula
by Mario Bjeliš, Vasilis G. Rodovitis, Darija Lemic, Pantelis Kaniouras, Pavao Gančević and Nikos T. Papadopoulos
Insects 2024, 15(12), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15120975 - 9 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1625
Abstract
The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann 1824; Diptera, Tephritidae), is considered one of the most important pests, infesting more than 300 species of fresh fruit and vegetables worldwide. The medfly is an important invasive species, which has spread from the eastern [...] Read more.
The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann 1824; Diptera, Tephritidae), is considered one of the most important pests, infesting more than 300 species of fresh fruit and vegetables worldwide. The medfly is an important invasive species, which has spread from the eastern part of sub-Saharan Africa to all of the world’s continents in recent centuries. Currently, the medfly is expanding its geographical range to cooler, temperate areas of the world, including northern areas of Mediterranean countries and continental areas of Central Europe. We collected and analysed all the available information, including in historical records, on the phenology of the medfly in the Balkan Peninsula, to map and understand the path of invasion and spread dynamics on the northern Mediterranean coast and in Central Europe. The medfly was first recorded in the Balkan Peninsula in 1915, in the Aegean area on the island of Aigina, followed by a few records on its presence in the Peloponnese in the early 1930s and throughout the Adriatic coastal area in the 1950s; it was first detected on the Croatian coast in 1947. By 2010, the medfly had been detected along the entire Ionian coast, while the first record of its presence on the Balkan coast of the Black Sea was made in 2005. Since 2000 to date, there has been a significant increase in the frequency of medfly detections in the interior of the Balkan Peninsula, including occasional detections in areas with unfavourable climatic conditions for overwintering, which seems to be favourable for reproduction during the summer and lead to significant infestation of late ripening fruits (late summer and autumn). In the last 20 years, the medfly has spread to more northerly areas (43 to 45 degrees latitude) and has been detected at higher altitudes (>200 to 600 m). Along the Balkan Peninsula, the infestation of fruits from 25 host plant species, from 14 genera and 10 plant families, has been reported. Considering the extremely high invasiveness of the medfly and its wide distribution in several Balkan regions with different climatic conditions, we can assume that it is adapting to new climatic conditions and infesting new host plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): Behavior, Ecology and Integrated Management)
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