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

Abstract

As most drosophilid species are not considered as primary pest, studies of their communities in natura, with standardized surveys, are relatively sparse. However, Drosophila suzukii and its rapid expansion through the world led to the implementation of many monitoring programs. As part of a research project on D. suzukii, we set up in 2022 an annual fly monitoring in 16 fruits plantations in France to understand population's dynamics of D. suzukii and to broadly survey drosophilid communities. The captures led to the first observation of Zaprionus tuberculatus in mainland France. Over the whole monitoring, we trapped a total of 111 specimens in a fig orchard located in southern France (Salses‐le‐Château), both in fig trees and nearby hedgerow. The first detection of Zaprionus 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 20 Z. tuberculatus have emerged in the following 2 weeks, confirming the establishment of a permanent population. The pest status of Z. tuberculatus and its potential risk for agriculture is not yet 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 polyphagous habit. The pest status and range expansion of Z. tuberculatus should be assessed to estimate risk to fruit's production.