First record of Spotted-wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Martín García Island wildlife refuge, Argentina

Abstract

Here we report on the first peculiar detection of the spotted-winged drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) on Martín García Island, a wildlife refuge located in the Río de la Plata estuary, Argentina. Flies were collected using banana baited traps fermented with live yeast, in sandy areas with abundant presence of cactus in the interior of the island. The absence of cultivated host plants, e.g., fruit crops, and the small population of humans inhabiting the island make the presence of D. suzukii in this wildlife refuge unexpected. Previous detection of this fly in South America happened mostly within commercial fruit orchards and/or neighboring fields.