The invasive Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is one of the major agricultural and economical pests globally. Understanding invasion risk and mitigation of medfly in agricultural landscapes requires knowledge of its population structure and dispersal patterns. Here, estimates of dispersal ability are provided in medfly from South Africa at three spatial scales using molecular approaches. Individuals were genotyped at 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci and a subset of individuals were also sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Our results show that South African medfly populations are generally characterized by high levels of genetic diversity and limited population differentiation at all spatial scales. This suggests high levels of gene flow among sampling locations. However, natural dispersal in C. capitata has been shown to rarely exceed 10 km. Therefore, documented levels of high gene flow in the present study, even between distant populations (>1600 km), are likely the result of human-mediated dispersal or at least some form of long-distance jump dispersal. These findings may have broad applicability to other global fruit production areas and have significant implications for ongoing pest management practices, such as the sterile insect technique.

Traits of thermal sensitivity or performance are typically the focus of species distribution modelling. Among-population trait variation, trait plasticity, population connectedness and the possible climatic covariation thereof are seldom accounted for. Here, we examine multiple climate stress resistance traits, and the plasticity thereof, for a globally invasive agricultural pest insect, the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). We also accounted for body size and population genetic connectivity among distinct populations from diverse bioclimatic regions across southern Africa. Desiccation resistance, starvation resistance, and critical thermal minimum (CTmin) and maximum (CTmax) of C. capitata varied between populations. For thermal tolerance traits, patterns of flexibility in response to thermal acclimation were suggestive of beneficial acclimation, but this was not the case for desiccation or starvation resistance. Population differences in measured traits were larger than those associated with acclimation, even though gene flow was high. Desiccation resistance was weakly but positively affected by growing degree-days. There was also a weak positive relationship between CTmin and temperature seasonality, but CTmax was weakly but negatively affected by the same bioclimatic variable. Our results suggest that the invasive potential of C. capitata may be supported by adaptation of tolerance traits to local bioclimatic conditions.

Biological invasions are increasing and are strongly associated with negative agricultural, economic and ecological impacts. It is increasingly recognized that the primary focus in minimizing biological invasions should be to prevent initial entry of alien species. However, exclusion of terrestrial arthropods such as insects and mites is difficult, in part because of their relatively small size, cryptic habits, broad physiological tolerances and close association with various internationally traded goods. Here we discuss methods, approaches, management and intervention systems used by border biosecurity agencies to prevent entry of inadvertently transported arthropods. We examine the at-border systems that exist for the detection and identification of and response to alien arthropods, and discuss the constraints and challenges present in these systems. We critically review current border biosecurity systems and discuss their relative efficacy. We then discuss additional measures and key areas that could be addressed that may further improve these systems. These include: (1) the application of appropriate sampling strategies; (2) employment of suitable inspection methods adequate to detect small and hidden arthropods; and (3) thorough recording of methods, organisms detected and both negative and positive results of inspections. We emphasize that more pathways of introductions for invasive arthropods. Of critical importance is the compilation of complete and accurate invasive species lists and high-risk species watch-lists. The adoption of these recommendations will contribute to improved biosecurity systems for the exclusion of alien, invasive and pest arthropods.

Aim Knowledge of how effective interceptions and quarantine measures are in preventing new biological invasions is of paramount importance for maintaining ecosystem function in a rapidly changing world. Here, we determine current macrogeographic population structure and routes of invasion of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) using genetic approaches and reconstruct and test invasion pathway hypotheses in a Bayesian framework. Location Africa, Australia, Greece, Guatemala and Madeira. Methods We sampled 323 C. capitata individuals from 14 locations world‐wide and genotyped all individuals for 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers. We calculated measures of genetic diversity and determined population structure. Moreover, we reconstructed and tested eighteen invasion pathway scenarios in a Bayesian framework using ABC modelling. Results We show a decrease in genetic diversity outside the native range (Africa) into the introduced range (Australia, Greece, Guatemala and Madeira). The most likely invasion pathway scenario closely matched the historical records, with an initial colonization of Europe from Africa and a secondary colonization of Australia from Europe. Moreover, we show an introduction from Greece to the Americas and, finally, a back introduction into South Africa from Europe. Main conclusions Given the lack of new introductions into colonized (non‐African) locations despite increasing trade, and apart from the initial invasion and establishment of the species outside of Africa, we conclude that quarantine and interception measures have been largely successful to date.

This project emerged from three simple facts: (i) Certain species of tephritid fruit flies are among the world's most notorious pests of commercially important fruits and vegetables; (ii) trapping these flies is vital to identifying infestations, controlling detected populations, and establishing guidelines for international transport of agricultural commodities; and (iii) despite its central role, there exists no comprehensive repository of factual or theoretical material relating specifically to trapping issues for economically important Tephritidae. While the editors (and we assume many of the authors) would admit to a scientific fascination with this group of insects, production of a volume devoted strictly to trapping of a relatively small number of pest species reflects, not just this scientific curiosity, but also the serious impact these pests have on global commerce. As Aldo Malavasi notes in his Introductory Remarks, every major fruit and vegetable growing county in the world maintains some program relating to surveillance and control of tephritid fruit fly pests. Thus, trapping issues concern scientists, regulatory agencies, and trade organizations in countries of every continent, from Australia and Brazil through the alphabet to Yemen and Zimbabwe. We thank all the authors for their contributions, which were produced without financial compensation. Collectively, they exhibited a spirit of industry, cooperation, and patience that smoothed the task of editing. We extend special thanks to A. Malavasi, who graciously provided introductory remarks. TS also thanks J.C. Stewart, who allowed him time to initiate and complete this project.