Spread of Two Invasive Flies (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Infesting Commercial Fruits in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Two invasive fruit flies, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura and Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae), recently have become established, and are expanding their range in the Neotropics. This research documents the range expansion of these species in southeastern Brazil, where they were found infesting cultivated blackberries and strawberries in the highlands of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Drosophila suzukii also was found associated with rotting Psidium cattleianum, and for the first time associated with papaya at sea level. Drosophila suzukii and Z. indianus may further affect establishment and production of important soft fruit crops and papaya in this region of Brazil. Management methods for fruit production in this Brazilian region need to be improved to avoid damage and further spread of D. suzukii.