Pupal parasitoids associated with Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in a semiarid environment in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Abstract Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are important pests that affect the fruit-growing worldwide. In the northeastern Brazil, where a semiarid climate predominates and the production of tropical fruits for export is concentrated, some fruit flies, including Anastrepha spp. and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), are considered pests due to economic damage and quarantine restrictions. In several parts of the world, fruit fly population regulation is carried out with the support of hymenopteran parasitoids. In Brazil, some information exists about larval parasitoids of fruit flies, but little is known about pupal parasitoids of these tephritids, especially in Brazilian semiarid environments. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to know the pupal parasitoids associated with C. capitata in a semiarid environment in Brazil. The parasitoid survey was carried out in a semiarid region in the states of Rio do Norte and Ceará. To obtain the parasitoids, pupae (sentinels) of C. capitata from the laboratory, Applied Entomology Laboratory of Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, were exposed to natural parasitism in the field. Six parasitoid (Hymenoptera) species were obtained: Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani), Spalangia simplex Perkins, Spalangia gemina Boucek, Spalangia leiopleura Gibson, and Spalangia impunctata Howard (Pteromalidae); Trichopria anastrephae Lima (Diapriidae). These are the first records of pupal parasitoids associated with the fruit fly C. capitata in Brazil.