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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #94941
Title: A NEW SPECIES AND NEW DISTRIBUTION RECORDS OF NEASPILOTA (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

Author
item Norrbom, Allen
item FOOTE, BENJAMIN - DEPT.BIOL.SCI.,KENT, OHIO

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/20/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The Tephritidae (true flies) include major crop pests, such as the apple maggot and Mediterranean fruit fly, but other species are beneficial as biological control agents of noxious plants, especially composite plants (Asteraceae). The 100+ species of the tribe Terelliini include several speciesthathavebeenintroducedtotheUnitedStatesfromEuropeinan attempt to control weeds in rangeland and other areas. This paper concern the genus Neaspilota, which includes 20 species of Terelliini native to North Ameria. A new species is described and formally named to permit scientific communication about it. A diagnosis and illustrations are providedtodistinguishitfromotherspeciesofNeaspilota.Itshost  plant, a species of tickweed (Coreopsis tripteris L.) is reported. Distribution information for two other Neaspilota species is also reported. This information, by contributing to the knowledge of the native fauna, will aid biological control of weeds programs in the United States.

Technical Abstract: Neaspilota (Neaspilota) reticulata, n. Sp. is described based on specimens from USA: Ohio and Michigan. It is unusual for the genus Neaspilota in having an extensively reticulate wing pattern. It breeds in flowers of Coreopsis tripteris L. (Asteraceas). Distributional data (new records or correction) are given for N. Floridana, including the first record of Neaspilota from the Bahamas, and for N. Vernoniae.