First report of Zaprionus indianus in France
Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae – EPPO Alert List) is reported for the first time from France. During a research project (EU project DROPSA), a monitoring programme for another drosophilid, Drosophila suzukii (EPPO A2 List) was set-up in the Alpes-Maritimes department. In January 2016, 5 specimens (3 females and 2 males) of Z. indianus were caught in 1 site (Cap d’Antibes). The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological and molecular analysis. Considering that Z. indianus is a tropical species, it is not expected that it will be able to colonize cold temperate areas. However, it was surprising to catch it in winter in Southern France. It was also noted that in the context of global warming, climatic conditions prevailing in Southern France may become progressively more favourable to the establishment of permanent populations. Therefore, it was recommended that a more precise monitoring of Zaprionus species in the French Riviera should be carried out, focussing on figs (Ficus carica), wild persimmons (Diospyros sp.) and prickly pears (Opuntia ficus-indica).
The situation of Zaprionus indianus in France can be described as follows: Transient, a few specimens were first caught in 2016 in Cap d’Antibes, establishment is not expected.
Sources
Kremmer L, David J, Borowiec N, Thaon M, Ris N, Poirié M, Gatti JL (2017) The African fig fly Zaprionus indianus: a new invasive pest in France? Bulletin of Insectology 70(1), 57-62.