Host Preferences Shown by Drosophilids (Diptera) in a Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Distribution Center Follow the Wild Neotropical Pattern

Simple Summary Drosophilids (fruit flies) are known as study models in several areas of science. Several drosophilid species have recently attracted public attention because they are expanding their geographic distribution and infesting fruit crops. Here, we investigated the relationship between plants and fruit flies in a commercial fruit and vegetable distribution center in Brazil. We accomplished this by collecting 99,478 kg of potential fruit and vegetable hosts from two time periods separated by a decade, representing 48 plant taxa. The 48,894 fruit flies that emerged from these hosts were identified and attributed to 16 fly species. On both collecting occasions, fruit fly assemblages were strongly dominated by basically the same exotic species, which explore a broader range of hosts, especially those of exotic origin, when compared to native neotropical fruit flies. These results are concerning because the studied site, along with other urban markets around the world, might be acting as a source of widespread generalist species that subsequently disperse into surrounding natural vegetation and crops. As these flies are usually superior competitors, they can promote the local extinction of native fruit flies and therefore contribute to the homogenization of fruit fly communities on larger scales. This phenomenon, known as biotic homogenization is worrying scientists worldwide. Although drosophilids have been extensively studied in laboratories worldwide, their ecology is still relatively poorly understood. This is unfortunate because some species are currently expanding their geographic distribution and infesting fruit crops. Here, we investigated the relationship between drosophilids and potential plant hosts in a commercial fruit and vegetable distribution center in the Neotropical region. We collected discarded fruits and vegetables from this commercial center during two time periods (2007-2008 and 2017-2018). Resources were weighted and individually monitored in the laboratory. The drosophilids that emerged were identified, and the relationship between them and their resources was explored. From the 99,478 kg of potential hosts collected, we identified 48 plant taxa, from which 48,894 drosophilids of 16 species emerged. On both collecting occasions, drosophilid assemblages were strongly dominated by basically the same exotic species, which explore a broader range of resources, especially those of exotic origin, when compared to neotropical drosophilids. These results are concerning because the studied site, Along with other urban markets around the world, might be acting as sources of generalist widespread species that disperse to surrounding natural vegetation and contribute to biotic homogenization.

Automated summary

Investigation on the relationship between plants and fruit flies in a commercial fruit and vegetable distribution center in Brazil revealed that the fruit fly assemblages were dominated by exotic species, which were able to infest a wider range of host plants, especially those of exotic origin. This phenomenon is concerning as it can lead to the extinction of native fruit flies and the homogenization of fruit fly communities on a larger scale.