P. Rousse, E.J. Harris, S. Quilici

Fopius arisanus, an egg-pupal parasitoid of Tephritidae. Overview. BNI 26(2)

Abstract:

Fopius arisanus (Hym., Braconidae) is an egg-pupal parasitoid of tephritid fruit flies. Since its introduction to Hawaii in the late 1940's, it has caused substantial reduction of fruit fly populations. Rearing methodology developed by the US Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) in Hawaii in the 1990's allowed an increasing number of studies of the biology and behaviour of this parasitoid. Simultaneously, the parasitoid has been introduced to various parts of the world for classical biological control purposes. This paper reviews studies conducted on F. arisanus during the last 70 years. In order to create a bibliographical tool for future research, we have synthesized published data on the taxonomy, geographical distribution, reproductive biology and behaviour, and foraging behaviour of this parasitoid. The use of F. arisanus in future biological control programmes is also discussed.