›› 2003, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (3): 363-381.

• RESEARCH PAPERS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Cone flies, Strobilomyia spp. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), affecting conifer natural regeneration in the Far East

Alain ROQUES1, SUN Jiang-Hua2*, JeanMarie SACHET1, PAN Yong-Zhi3   

  • Online:2003-06-20 Published:2003-06-20

Abstract: Strobilomyia flies are major pests of the cones and seeds of conifers in the Far East. In this region, this apparently monophyletic genus includes 20 species whose larvae specifically develop in the cones of Larix, Abies and Picea. The highest diversity is observed in larch in Northeastern China where the cone resource is shared among seven fly species. However, the precise knowledge of the specific distribution, life cycle and economic impact of Strobilomyia spp. Has been hindered by taxonomic uncertainties. This paper reviews this important group based on some 108 publications on cone flies in the Far East, and presents additional original data obtained in Central Siberia, Kamchatka, Heilongjiang and northern Yunnan provinces. The fly species related to larch, fir and spruce are successively reviewed according to a common scheme including: distribution, host species and identity; morphology of adults, eggs, larvae and pupae; biology and phenology; damage importance; and forecast and control methods.

Key words: Conifer, cone, seed, insect pest, cone fly, Strobilomyia