اولین گزارش از خسارت مگس انجیر آفریقایی Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) در استان هرمزگان

The African fig fly, Zaprionus indianus is of immense importance in the family Drosophilidae due to its ability to cause damage on fruits. This species was first described by Gupta in 1970. This vinegar fly is an opportunist that uses both fallen fruits and damaged fruits still on trees as breeding substrates. Currently, Z. indianus has been reported from different parts of the world. This species was first reported in Iran by Parchami-Araghi and Mohammadi-Khorramabadi in 2009. This pest usually feeds on very ripe and fallen fruits on the ground, although it can feed on fruits on the tree as well. Following the receipt of several reports from the Mosafarabad region (Hormozgan province, Iran) regarding the damage of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Thephritidae), samples of the infested oranges were collected from the same region and kept in a growth chamber to rear the larvae for identification. After the adult emergence, it was identified as African fig fly. Due to the existence of two other important pests of the family Diptera, i.e., the mango fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and C. capitata, the spread of this pest can be an important challenge for the province's orchards. Since there is no enough information regarding the distribution of Z. indianus in the province, it is necessary to monitor the pest in different citrus and date palm growing areas of the province. The identified species were confirmed by Dr. Babak Gharaei.