Author
Norrbom, Allen | |
ZUCCHI, R. - PIRACICABA, BRAZIL | |
HERNANDEZ-ORTIZ, V. - INST.ECOL. XALAPA, MEXICO |
Submitted to: CRC Press
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 5/3/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: The Tephritidae (true fruit flies) is one of the most agriculturally important families of flies. It includes numerous pests, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and the apple maggot. The majority of species that are pests in the American tropics and subtropics, and that threaten fruit industries in the southern United States, belong to the genera Anastrepha and Toxotrypana. Because this group contains more than 200 species, precise taxonomic data are necessary to recognize the pest species. In this paper, the species are classified into related groups (species groups) within both genera and the characters supporting their relationships are presented, illustrated, and discussed. Such relationships may be used to predict unknown information (e.g., host plants or behavior of species whose biology is unknown) and to reveal patterns in various biological attributes that may aid in the control or regulation of pest or potential pest species. Such a classification is valuable to ARS and other scientists studying the behavior, biology and control of these species. Technical Abstract: The intrageneric classification of Anastrepha and Toxotrypana is discussed. Two species groups within Toxotrypana and 18 within Anastrepha are recognized. Character polarities are analyzed and putative synapomorphies supporting the monophyly of these species groups are discussed and illustrated. |