First report of Dacus frontalis in France
Dacus frontalis (Diptera: Tephritidae, EU Quarantine Pest as Dacus spp.) is an important pest of cucurbit fruits in Africa and the Middle East. It was reported in Tunisia in 2014 (EPPO RS 2015/137) and more recently in Algeria, Morrocco (RS 2024/032) and Islas Canarias (RS 2025/060) and has been intercepted in Belgium (RS 2025/061).
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of D. frontalis on its territory. As part of official surveys 23 larvae of Dacus sp. were found in September 2025 from two small fields of Cucurbita pepo in an urban area in Alpes-Maritimes department (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region). In October 2025 three adults of D. frontalis were caught in a trap and the identity of the species was confirmed as Dacus frontalis by the National Reference Laboratory. Official phytosanitary measures have been applied to eradicate the pest in a demarcated area consisting of four adjacent plots of courgettes (C. pepo). Measures include enhanced surveillance, a ban on planting C. pepo and incineration of infested fruits. Local awareness raising is being conducted among producers.
The pest status of Dacus frontalis in France is officially declared as: Transient, detection in two plots of Cucurbita pepo (courgettes), actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2025-12).