Procecidochares alani is a species of tephritid or fruit flies in the genus Procecidochares.[2]
| Procecidochares alani | |
|---|---|
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| |
| Pinned P. alani from Onomea Hawaii. | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Tephritidae |
| Subfamily: | Tephritinae |
| Tribe: | Cecidocharini |
| Genus: | Procecidochares |
| Species: | P. alani
|
| Binomial name | |
| Procecidochares alani | |
Distribution
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The species is native to Mexico. Specimens have been introduced to Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia as a biocontrol agent against Ageratina riparia. Larve of P. alani feed on the inside of the invasive plant, and cause stem galls to form, impeding growth.[3]
P. alani was first introduced to Australia in 1987 as a biocontrol agent, but had limited success as it was soon effected by native parasitoid wasps.[4]
References
edit- ^ Steyskal, G.C. (1974). "A new species of Procecidochares (Diptera: Tephritidae) causing galls on stems of Hamakua Pamakani (Ageratina riparia: Asteraceae) in Hawaii". U.S. Dep. Agric. Coop. Econ. Insect Rep. 24: 639–641.
- ^ Norrbom, A.L.; Carroll, L.E.; Thompson, F.C.; White, I.M; Freidberg, A. (1999). "Systematic Database of Names. Pp. 65-252. In Thompson, F. C. (ed.), Fruit Fly Expert Identification System and Systematic Information Database". Myia. 9: vii & 524.
- ^ Fröhlich, J.; et al. (1999). "Biological Control of Mist Flower (Ageratina riparia, Asteraceae): Transferring a Successful Program from Hawai'i to New Zealand". Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds: 6–11.
- ^ Zancola, Brian J.; WIld, Clyde; Hero, Jean-Marc (24 December 2001). "Inhibition of Ageratina riparia (Asteraceae) by native Australian flora and fauna". Austral Ecology. 25 (5). doi:10.1046/j.1442-9993.2000.01087.x.