Bactrocera sp. nr. tau, new fruit fly reported as pest attacking spiny bitter cucumber seeds (Momordica cochinchinensis) in Thailand

Abstract

The spiny bitter cucumber seed fruit fly, Bactrocera sp. near tau (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae)
is a member of the B. tau complex species. This species is placed in the subgenus Zeugodacus.
The studied fruit fly, Bactrocera sp. near tau objective is identified fruit fly infestation of the spiny bitter
cucumber seed and to compare species of fruit fly, Bactrocera sp. near tau with B. tau. The adult
character is similar to B. tau. The larvae of this insect was developed within seeds as well as fruits of spiny
bitter cucumber fruits (Momordica cochinchinensis). The spiny bitter cucumber seed fruit fly adult is
possessing a costal band expanded into an apical spot; scutum with lateral and medial yellow stripes and
possesses anterior supre-alar setae, prescutellar setae also; 4 scutellum setae; pectin found on the third
tergal abdominal segment of males. This fruit fly species difers from B. tau in having distinct dark brown
spots around base of the orbital setae on frons; a dark brown marking on outer surface of the front femora;
and by having longer ovipositor 8.00-11.25 mm, the shape of aculeus tip with a pair of subapical keel.