Development of a multi-entry identification key for economically important fruit fly larvae (Diptera, Tephritidae, Dacinae)

By

Pieterse, Welma
De Meyer, Marc
Virgilio, Massimiliano
Addison, Pia

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2024

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1197

Pages

127--136

Subjects

identification tool , interactive key , Larvae , Lucid , mandible

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1197.116887

 

Abstract

Identification of fruit fly larvae is difficult due to the limited morphological characteristics present. However, this is the stage at which fruit flies are intercepted at ports of entry through horticultural imports. Molecular tools are useful but are time-consuming and expensive compared to morphological identifications. This project aims to use available information from the literature and our own research to build a multi-entry identification key for thirteen tephritid species and species groups that are of economic concern for the European Union. Third-instar larvae were obtained from different regions and hosts. Thirteen species or representatives of species groups were obtained, including Ceratitis, Dacus, Bactrocera and Zeugodacus spp. The cephalopharyngeal skeletons were dissected out, cleared in a 10% NaOH solution, dehydrated and mounted in Euparal on glass slides. Images of at least 20 larvae/species were captured using a compound microscope fitted with a camera. Measurements were taken of the mounted mandibles and the number of tubules and their position in the anterior spiracles in relation to the cephalic skeleton were noted. Differences between morphometric parameters were tested via ANOVA and verified using discriminant function analysis. A matrix was compiled including nine characters for which significant inter-specific differentiation was preliminarily detected. The key was converted into a mobile application by LucID.