Bactrocera occipitalis (Bezzi)
Bactrocera occipitalis (Photographer: Anthony O'toole) DISTRIBUTION: Native to tropical Asia (Borneo and Philippines) and introduced to Palau. This species belongs to the Oriental fruit fly species complex, composed of fifty-two closely similar species in Tropical Asia. The species recorded in September 1996 in Palau, then identified as Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) based on trapped male flies is in fact, two other species of the complex (B. occipitalis and B. philippinensis). Host fruit surveying carried out in Palau in early 2001 has yielded fresh male and female specimens, that have helped identify correctly the species. B. dorsalis therefore does not occur in Palau.
HOST PLANTS: In Asia, this species was bred from mango and guava (Allwood et al, 1999). Intensive host fruit surveying is in process in Palau to determine the host range of the species.
BIOLOGY: Not yet studied. Research in progress in the Philippines.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE: Not yet assessed in Palau, but most likely less damageable than the closely related B. philippinensis (A. Allwood, pers. comm.).
MALE LURE: Methyl eugenol.
QUARANTINE SURVEILLANCE: Methyl eugenol trapping and regular host fruit surveys of high risk species, especially guava and mango.
OPTIONS FOR RESPONSE (If newly discovered in a country): Increased trapping, increased host fruit sampling, restriction of fruit movement, protein bait spraying, male annihilation.
CONTROL: Fruit bagging, protein bait spraying, destruction of fallen and overripe fruits, early harvest of mature green fruits.
REFERENCES:
Allwood, A.J., Chinajariyawong, A., Drew, R.A.I., Hamacek, E.L., Hancock, D.L., Hengsawad, C., Jinapin, J.C., Jirasurat, M., Kong Krong, C., Kritsaneepaiboon, S., Leong, C.T.S., and S. Vijaysegaran. 1999. Host plant records for fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in South-East Asia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. Supplement 7. 92 pp. (Complete host list in Asia).
Drew, R.A.I. 1994.The Bactrocera dorsalis complex of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae) in Asia. Bulletin of Entomological Research. Supplement Series. Supplement 2. 68 pp. (Description and illustration).
Page updated on: 17 October, 2002