Incursion of Dacus frontalis in Belgium
D. frontalis is an important pest of cucurbit fruits in parts of Africa and the Middle East and was recorded in Tunisia in 2014 (EPPO RS 2015/137) and more recently in Algeria, Morocco (EPPO RS 2024/032) and Islas Canarias (RS 2025/060).
In Belgium, a single adult specimen of Dacus frontalis (Diptera: Tephritidae, EU A1 Quarantine Pest as Dacus spp.) was intercepted in September 2024 in a trap intended for Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae, EPPO A1 list). The interception occurred in the immediate vicinity of fruit and vegetable importers and wholesalers in Brussels. The NPPO of Belgium considers that this finding is not related to an outbreak. Further surveillance was carried out from September to December 2024 and no further D. frontalis were found.
The pest status of Dacus frontalis in Belgium is officially declared as: Absent, one isolated post entry finding in trap near point of entry/fruit market, under further surveillance, intercepted only.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2024-09, 2024-12).