Niche partitioning via host plants and altitude among fruit flies following the invasion of <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i>

Invasions by exotic species in areas already occupied related may lead to extinction or niche partitioning. Bactrocera dorsalis has invaded the Comoros archipelago 2005 where other tephritids were present. The host ranges of fruit flies studied conducting a seven-year survey on three islands with substantial sampling effort comprising 91 plant from 37 families. results showed that 45 16 families infested tephritid species. Eight fly detected sampled fruits, but 78% individuals identified as B. dorsalis, confirming its dominance and polyphagous status. More than ten years after invasion, replaced Ceratitis capitata dominant several such mango citrus. coexistence between C. seems possible due capacity latter exploit different niches, i.e. higher altitudinal few (among which, chillies coffee berries) constituting refuge niche. Information about is useful for management better estimates invasion risks associated biosecurity measures.