First record of the invasive fruit fly Dacus ciliatus Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Italy

Abstract

The invasive species Dacus ciliatus Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae) also known as the lesser pumpkin fly, was detected for the first time in the Campania Region, southern Italy, in 2024. Specimens of D. ciliatus were captured using various trap types baited with different attractants in the zone infested by Bactrocera dorsalis. An integrative approach combining morphological and molecular analyses was applied, involving the sequencing of the COI, ITS2, and 28S regions to confirm species identification and characterize the genetic traits of the pest. Fruit samplings in orchards where D. ciliatus was detected aimed to assess potential active infestations on host fruits. However, the sampling activity revealed an infestation by Lamprolonchaea smaragdi (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) on tomato fruits. This paper details the first field capture of D. ciliatus in Italy and provide a comprehensive characterization of the collected specimens based on both morphological and molecular methodologies. The capture of only a few individuals within a short period suggests an incursion rather than an established infestation. The actual harmfulness of the endemic species L. smaragdi, which seems to be limited to a single plot, is currently under evaluation.