URBAN FORESTS AS RESERVOIRS OF CRYPTIC DIVERSITY IN FRUIT FLIES Bactrocera spp. WITH CONSEQUENCES FOR BIOSECURITY
Abstract
Fruit flies of the genus Bactrocera Macquart, 1835 are among the most damaging horticultural pests in tropical regions; however, their genetic diversity in urban forest ecosystems remains poorly characterized. Urban forests in Wallacea, Indonesia, may serve as reservoirs of biodiversity and potential monitoring sites for emerging pest lineages. This study assessed the mitochondrial genetic diversity and population structure of Bactrocera spp. in urban forest ecosystems in Makassar, Sulawesi. Forty individuals were collected using methyl eugenol–baited Steiner traps and analyzed based on partial COI gene sequences to identify haplotypes, estimate genetic diversity, and reconstruct phylogenetic relationships. Eight haplotypes were identified, with high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.872) but low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0087). Most haplotypes clustered within a main clade, whereas Hap_8 showed notable divergence (>3% genetic distance). AMOVA indicated that 92.4% of genetic variation occurred within populations. Neutrality tests yielded negative values, consistent with recent demographic expansion or selective processes, although interpretation should be cautious given unresolved species boundaries. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses revealed a star-like topology cantered on dominant haplotypes. While based on limited temporal and spatial sampling, these findings provide baseline molecular information on genetic heterogeneity within urban forest Bactrocera populations. Broader geographic sampling and integrative taxonomic approaches will be necessary to clarify species boundaries and assess the ecological significance of divergent lineages in Wallacea.
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