New Insights in the Definition of the Anastrepha fraterculus Cryptic Species Complex

MARÍA T. VERA; ABRAHAM; BřÍZOVÁ; CÁCERES-BARRIOS; CANAL; CASTAÑEDA; NASCIMENTO; SILVA; HENDRICHS; HERNÁNDEZ-ORTIZ; JOACHIM-BRAVO; KALINOVÁ; LIMA; MALACRIDA; RORIZ; RULL; SEGURA; STECK; TEAL; VANÍčKOVÁ; VREYSEN

Bangok

Simposio; 9th International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance; 2014

Background: Clear species definition, characterization and identification of the mechanisms underlying species recognition among conspecifics in the Anastrepha fraterculus cryptic species complex have several applied implications. Prezygotic isolation has consequences at the time of choosing the right strain to mass rear for SIT programmes. Host use has implications for trade, and availability of diagnostic characters has quarantine implications. The aim of this joint effort is to use an integrative approach to resolve the taxonomic status of this species.Methods: Methods involved using as many approaches as possible comprising morphology (eggs, larvae and adults), molecular tools, cytogentics, chemical ecology (pheromones and cuticle hydrocarbons), behavior and morphometrics. Special emphasis was placed in sampling and analyzing populations from the seven already described morphotypes. Results: The evidence gathered from populations throughout the geographic range of the complex indicates that previously reported population differences are correlated with reproductive isolation, mainly at the prezygotic level. This is corroborated by additional differences at the molecular, morphological and chemical profiles of the pheromones and cuticle and affirms the value of integrating different tools for species diagnosis.Conclusions: Anastrepha fraterculus populations exhibit a high degree of differentiation with some populations clearly distinct from others. Further research is needed in areas of coexistence of more than one morphotype and in areas where information is scarce. As a consequence, it is advisable to do the process of species definition and revision in a incremental approach.