Observations on the ecology ofTrypaneaSchrank (Diptera: Tephritidae), and its association with the Asteraceae

Abstract

The dipteran fruit fly Trypanea longipennis (Tephritidae) and its association with host plants in the Asteraceae was studied during the 1988/89 summer season in the Craigieburn Range and Arthur's Pass, South Island. Pupae were found on 9 out of 21 species examined. Hosts, in order of preference, were Celmisia lyallii, C. spectabilis, Raoulia subsericea, C. discolor, C. angustifolia, Senecio cassinioides, C. gracilenta, C. viscosa, and Cassinia vauvilliersii. Mid and late season flowerers were more likely to be attacked than early season flowerers. Analyses of other morphological and ecological features failed to reveal any relationships with host preference or infestation rates. Elevation appears to control overall numbers of the fly, with fewer pupae per capitulum at high alpine elevations compared with lower alpine and subalpine elevations. The suggestion is made that T. longipennis may be restricted to dry eastern regions of the South Island, where it may have coevolved with its preferred host species,...