Abundance, Distribution, and Dispersion Indices of the Oriental Fruit Fly and Melon Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Kauai, Hawaiian Islands

Abstract

Capture rates for male oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel, were 5-10 times higher on the windward side than on the leeward side of the island of Kauai. In contrast, capture rates for melon fly, D. cucurbitae Coquillett, were 3-8 times higher on the leeward side than on the windward side of the island. Peak D. dorsalis trap captures occurred during spring and fall after guava, Psidium guajava L. and P. cattleianum Sabine, fruited in a guava belt above coastal agricultural areas. Peak D. cucurbitae trap captures occurred during winter and spring after the wild hosts bitter melon, Momordica charantia L., and spiny cucumber, Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenberg ex Spach, fruited and during summer when truck crops were cultivated in agricultural areas. In a typical agricultural area, D. dorsalis capture rates were higher outside than inside crop production areas. In contrast, D. cucurbitae capture rates were higher inside than outside crop production areas. Results are discussed with respect to population management programs for fruit flies.