Bionomics and Management of Anastrepha

Abstract

Flies of the genus Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the world's most devastating agricultural pests. At the same time, they display remark­ able ecological and behavioral characteristics, which have served as models in the development of general theories on insect mating systems and the physiology of host marking. Anastrepha species are endemic to the New World and restricted to tropical and sUbtropical environments. The genus's range extends from the southern US to northern Argentina and includes most of the Caribbean Islands. There are 184 described Anastrepha species. The great majority of these are poorly known biologically, and knowledge is basically restricted to seven economically important species: Jraterculus, grandis, ludens, obliqua, serpentina,