A review of relationships between interspecific competition and invasions in fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

Abstract. 1. A number of invasions in the family Tephritidae (fruit flies) have been observed worldwide despite quarantine procedures. In this review, the potential importance of interspecific competition and competitive displacement among different tephritid species is evaluated in the context of recent invasions.2. Where polyphagous tephritid species have been introduced in areas already occupied by a polyphagous tephritid, interspecific competition has resulted in a decrease in number and niche shift of the pre-established species. No reciprocal invasions have been observed.3. The data on tephritid invasions seem to support a hierarchical mode of competition; however, complete exclusion usually did not occur. Indeed, tephritid distribution and abundance are markedly structured by various abiotic (mostly climatic) and biotic (host plants) factors.4. The primary determinant of competitive interactions in near-optimal conditions, such as lowlands with abundant fruit plantations, is probably the lifehistory strategy. The r-K gradient could be used as a predictor of potential invaders, because K traits (such as large adult size) may favour both exploitation and interference competition.5. For future research, a better understanding of competition mechanisms seems essential. Different species competing in the same area should be compared with respect to: (i) demographic parameters, (ii) the outcome of experimental co-infestations on the same fruit, and (iii) behavioural and chemical interference mechanisms.

Influence of different tropical fruits on biological and behavioral aspects of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Tephritidae)

“…A possible competition with Anastrepha might explain the lower rate of C. capitata on guava. Studies show the occurrence of interspecific interactions between polyphagous species of Tephritidae introduced in areas already occupied by other polyphagous species of Tephritidae, resulting in niche changes and a decrease in number of individuals belonging to the pre-established species (Duyck et al 2004). In this case, we can expect that C. capitata changes or displaces niches of Anastrepha.…”

Preliminary inventory of fruit fly species (Diptera, Tephritidae) in mango orchards in the Niayes region, Senegal, in 2004

“…According to Rey, a decreasing biodiversity index in the Niayes area was noticed during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. The heavy colonisation of B. invadens in all agro-ecological zones of Senegal could be responsible for the displacement of native tephritid species in Senegal, just as we have already seen in Benin [28] with the same fly species, or in Reunion Island [41,42] with Bactrocera zonata and other Ceratitis species.…”

Effective chemical control of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) pests in mango orchards in northern Côte-d’Ivoire

“…The high proportion of Bactrocera invadens in treated orchards, can be explained on one hand, by a high invasion of orchards, followed by a high emergence rate of flies from pupae and, on other hand, by the late application of insecticides (early April) in too infested orchards by fruit flies. The low proportion of other species (minor species) in treated orchards could be due in addition to the intense interspecific competition between B. invadens and those latest (Duyck et al, 2004(Duyck et al, . 2006(Duyck et al, and 2007, their sensitivity to insecticides.…”