A set of multi-entry identification keys to
African frugivorous flies (Diptera, Tephritidae)

Massimiliano Virgilio, Ian M. White, Marc De Meyer

Fruit flies belong to a large family of flies called Tephritidae, and a number of them cause considerable damage to crops. In Africa, the cultivation of fruit and vegetables is greatly hampered by these insect pests. Before research and pest control programs can be established, the correct identification of pest species is necessary. Such identification is based on the use of traditional dichotomous identification keys, also known as 'single-access' keys (two choices for each identification step).

However, the technical specific terminology used in these keys is a stumbling block for non-specialists who are unfamiliar with the morphology and taxonomy of fruit flies. Moreover, when these keys are used, identification fails when users cannot respond to a question in the key (because they lack the needed taxonomic expertise, or the key is not clear enough, or the specimen is damaged, etc.).

A NEW TOOL

For this reason, Massimiliano Virgilio, Ian White and Marc De Meyer have developed the first 'multi-entry' key for African fruit flies.
Instead of using one character at a time, anywhere from 11 to 95 characters (wing venation, shape or size of antennae, etc.) can be used to identify a specimen.

Some features of the key:

  • in total, 394 species of African fruit flies can be identified using this key;
  • all 40 to 50 pest species, both indigenous and introduced, are included;
  • illustrations are supplied for the characters (showing where they can be found and how they look like), character states (showing the morphological variability of a given character), and species (providing information on species morphology). These images allow non-specialist users (students or amateurs, for instance) to use the key;
  • hypertext links provide information on taxonomy, host plants, distribution areas, collection specimens, and genetic information when available;
  • The identification key can be used online or requested from Massimiliano Virgilio or Marc De Meyer (see "CONTACTS" below).
  • Factsheets for the most important pests were compiled and can be consulted or downloaded from this website (see under fact sheets)

CONTACTS

Massimiliano Virgilio
Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
massimiliano.virgilio@africamuseum.be
Marc De Meyer
Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
marc.de.meyer@africamuseum.be
Ian M. White
The Natural History Museum, London (NHM)
current address: Buxton, Sheffield, UK