First record of Zaprionus tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in mainland France

BACKGROUNDAs most drosophilid species are not considered as primary pest, studies of the whole drosophilid communities, including other genera than Drosophila, with standardized surveys are relatively sparse. However, the spotted wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) and its rapid expansion through the world led to the implementation of many monitoring programs in various countries. As part of a research project on D. suzukii, we set up in 2022 an annual fly monitoring in 16 fruits farms to understand populations dynamics of D. suzukii and to survey drosophilid communities. RESULTSWe report here the first observation of Zaprionus tuberculatus Malloch, 1932 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in mainland France. Over the whole monitoring, we trapped a total of 111 specimens in a fig orchard located in southern France (Salses-le-Chateau), both in fig trees and nearby hedgerows. The first detection of Z. tuberculatus occurred in July 2022 in the hedgerow and captures continued until January 2023 with an interruption in November and December. In addition, in this orchard we collected overripe figs in September 2023 from which over 15 Z. tuberculatus have emerged in the following two weeks. CONCLUSIONThe pest status of Z. tuberculatus and its potential risk for agriculture is not clear, but the pest behavior of the close-relative species Zaprionus indianus, especially on figs, should be a warning point for the entry of Z. tuberculatus into the EU and France, as they may have similar nutritional ecology. The pest status, the establishment and the future spread of Z. tuberculatus should thus be monitored to assess possible damages to fruits productions.