ABSTRACT
Some species of Lonchaeidae (Diptera) are considered frugivorous and polyphagous pests, and are widely distributed in Neotropical regions. The relationship between a fly and its host plant is important for studies on behavior and distribution of frugivorous flies. The objective of this work was to identify the Lonchaeidae fly species and their host plants in the Cerrado biome, specifically in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Eighty-one adults (33 â and 48 â) from the genus Neosilba McAlpine (Lonchaeidae), represented by the species Neosilba inesperata Strikis & Prado, Neosilba pendula Bezzi, and Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine, were collected from fruit samples. Oranges [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and guava (Psidium guajava L.) had the highest frequencies of infestation. A Neosilba species was considered a primary invader in orange. These results are the first ones reported of Lonchaeidae species and their host plants in the state of Piauí.(AU)
Algumas espécies de Lonchaeidae (Diptera) são consideradas pragas frugívoras e polífagas, com ampla distribuição geográfica em regiões neotropicais. A relação mosca/planta hospedeira é de grande valor para estudos de comportamento e distribuição de moscas frugívoras. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as espécies de Lonchaeidae e suas plantas hospedeiras no bioma Cerrado, especificamente no estado do Piauí, Brasil. Oitenta e um adultos (33 â e 48 â) do gênero Neosilba McAlpine (Lonchaeidae), pertencentes às espécies Neosilba inesperata Strikis & Prado, Neosilba pendula Bezzi e Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine, foram coletados de amostras de frutas, sendo a laranja [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] e a goiaba (Psidium guajava L.) as de maiores frequências de infestação. Uma espécie de Neosilba foi considerada um invasor primário em laranjas. Esses resultados são os primeiros relatos de espécies de Lonchaeidae e suas plantas hospedeiras no estado do Piauí.(AU)
Subject(s)
Citrus , Psidium , Drosophila , Grassland , Diptera , FruitABSTRACT
The threatened Marsh Grassbird (Locustella pryeri) first appeared in the salt marsh in east China after the salt marsh was invaded by cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), a non-native invasive species. To understand the dependence of non-native Marsh Grassbird on the non-native cordgrass, we quantified habitat use, food source, and reproductive success of the Marsh Grassbird at the Chongming Dongtan (CMDT) salt marsh. In the breeding season, we used point counts and radio-tracking to determine habitat use by Marsh Grassbirds. We analyzed basal food sources of the Marsh Grassbirds by comparing the δ(13) C isotope signatures of feather and fecal samples of birds with those of local plants. We monitored the nests through the breeding season and determined the breeding success of the Marsh Grassbirds at CMDT. Density of Marsh Grassbirds was higher where cordgrass occurred than in areas of native reed (Phragmites australis) monoculture. The breeding territory of the Marsh Grassbird was composed mainly of cordgrass stands, and nests were built exclusively against cordgrass stems. Cordgrass was the major primary producer at the base of the Marsh Grassbird food chain. Breeding success of the Marsh Grassbird at CMDT was similar to breeding success within its native range. Our results suggest non-native cordgrass provides essential habitat and food for breeding Marsh Grassbirds at CMDT and that the increase in Marsh Grassbird abundance may reflect the rapid spread of cordgrass in the coastal regions of east China. Our study provides an example of how a primary invader (i.e., cordgrass) can alter an ecosystem and thus facilitate colonization by a second non-native species.
