Procecidochares alani explained

Procecidochares alani is a species of tephritid or fruit flies in the genus Procecidochares.^[1]

Distribution

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.^[2]

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.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Norrbom. A.L.. Carroll. L.E. . Thompson. F.C.. White. I.M . Freidberg. A.. Systematic Database of Names. Pp. 65-252. In Thompson, F. C. (ed.), Fruit Fly Expert Identification System and Systematic Information Database. Myia. 1999 . 9. vii & 524.
2. Fröhlich. J.. Fowler. S.V.. Gianotti. A.. Hill. R.L.. Killgore. E.. Morin. L.. Sugiyama. L.. Winks. C.. 1. 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.
3. Zancola . Brian J. . WIld . Clyde . Hero . Jean-Marc . 24 December 2001 . Inhibition of Ageratina riparia (Asteraceae) by native Australian flora and fauna . . 25 . 5 . 10.1046/j.1442-9993.2000.01087.x.