Short communication: Zizyphus fruit fly (Carpomya incompleta (Becker), Diptera: Tephritidae) is expanding its range in Europe

Abstract

Aim of study: To identify a new pest of jujube reported by the farmers in Spain. Area of study: The Iberian Peninsula (Spain). Material and methods: The insects were identified according to the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the main morphological features of this tephritid species, including the ocellar seta, the mesonotum and apical crossband in winds. Main results: Based on morphological characterization the insects were identified as Carpomya incompleta (Becker) (Diptera: Tephritidae), which was confirmed by the phylogenetic analysis with more than 94% of identity. Besides, the distance analysis showed very low intraspecific divergence in C. incompleta sequences. Research highlights: We report the presence of the zizyphus fruit fly in Spain for the first time. This presence has been reported to the Early Warning Systems on Alien Invasive Species of the Andalusian Government (Spain).

Keywords

• Tephritid
• COI gene
• identification
• morphology
• detection