USE OF A NOVEL HOST PLANT FAMILY, BASALLACEAE, BY DROSOPHILA SUZUKII (DIPTERA: DROSOPHILIDAE)

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumara) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a highly polyphagous invasive vinegar fly and a pest of small and stone fruits in regions where it has established. Its ability to use a wide range of food sources has likely aided in its success as an invasive species. To date, over 130 species representing 60 genera and 30 different plant families have been documented as hosts for D. suzukii. Understanding the host range of this pest is important for determining how it is able to persist locally and/or regionally when a host crop is not present. Here we describe the use of a novel host plant, Basella alba (Caryophyllales: Basellaceae), which represents the first known host from the plant family Basellaceae.