Bactrocera xanthodes
Description
Typical of Bactrocera larvae with the following specific characteristics for the third instar:
Body. Body length 8–10mm. Integument sometimes partially sclerotized (mature larvae); sclerotization forming a transverse line beneath posterior spiracles (mature larvae), or forming a small heart-shaped patch of pigment below cuticle surface on ventral side of T1 (mature larvae) (V-shaped mark present on all NMNH specimens); sclerotized process(es) on caudal segment absent.
Head. Stomal organ: peg sensilla short, tapered, unbranched; other peg-sensilla-like structures absent. Stomal region: medial secondary lobes elongate, like oral ridges (6–7, small to large); margins of secondary lobes all entire. Number of oral ridges 17–24; margins scalloped (moderately long, evenly spaced, "tapering" teeth; look scalloped to me). Accessory plates interlocking with oral ridges; number of accessory plates 12–19 (~~); margins serrated (with deeply serrated, evenly spaced teeth). Median oral lobe absent or not protruding.
Cephalopharyngeal skeleton. Mandibles: subapical teeth present; tooth much smaller than apical tooth, and delicate; with a single ventral tooth.
Spinules and creeping welts. Dorsal spinules on segments T1-T3.
Anterior spiracles. Anterior spiracular tubules 11–16.
Caudal segment (a8) and anal lobes. Anal lobes plainly visible, but not protuberant; simple.
Posterior spiracles. Slits 2.5x longer than wide (about). Dorsal spiracular processes with numerous trunks arising from an elongate base (long processes). Number of dorsal spiracular processes 10–16. Number of ventral spiracular processes 10–16. Number of lateral spiracular processes 4–7.
Host plants
| Family | Genus |
| Apocynaceae | sp. |
| Bromeliaceae | Ananas |
| Caricaceae | Carica |
| Cucurbitaceae | Citrullus |
| Euphorbiaceae | sp. |
| Lecythidaceae | sp. |
| Moraceae | Artocarpus |
| Myrtaceae | Psidium |
| Passifloraceae | Passiflora |
| Rutaceae | Citrus |
| Sapotaceae | sp. |
| Solanaceae | Capsicum, Solanum |
Part of plant attacked: fruit.
Biogeographic region and distribution
AustralasianFiji, American & Western Samoa, Tonga, Cook Is.
Specimens examined
Based on specimens from the Cook Islands (ex Carica papaya). See White & Elson-Harris 1992.Adult taxonomy
Bactrocera (Notodacus) xanthodes (Broun)Tephrites xanthodes Broun 1904: 306.—Tonga; Cook Is. Rarotonga; & Fiji. Viti Levu: Suva. ST ♂♀ AMNZ?
Tephrites xanthodes Broun 1905: 3.—Tonga; Cook Is. Rarotonga; & Fiji. Viti Levu: Suva. ST ♂♀ AMNZ? Preocc. Broun 1904.
Dacus xanthodes Broun 1905: 327.—Tonga; Cook Is. Rarotonga; & Fiji. Viti Levu: Suva. ST ♂♀ AMNZ? Preocc. Broun 1904.
References
Carroll, L. E., A. L. Norrbom, M. J. Dallwitz, and F. C. Thompson. 2004 onwards. Pest fruit flies of the world – larvae. Version: 8th December 2006. http://delta-intkey.com.
White, I. M., and M. M. Elson-Harris. 1992. Fruit flies of economic significance: their identification and bionomics. CAB International; Wallingford, UK. 601 p.
