The Black Fig Fly, <i>Silba adipata</i> (Diptera: Lonchaeidae): Current Knowledge and Future Research Needs for an Invasive Pest of Fig Production.

Abstract

The presence of <i>Silba adipata</i> in countries outside its native range has raised increasing concern among fig (<i>Ficus carica</i> L.) producers due to its growing economic importance. Information on this lonchaeid remains scarce and is frequently fragmented across regional reports, technical documents, and isolated scientific studies. The lack of consolidated and reliable knowledge on <i>S. adipata</i>, together with its sporadic impacts on figs and frequent confusion with closely related species, has hindered the development of effective and sustainable management strategies. Here, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current geographic distribution of <i>S. adipata</i> and its expansion into new areas, addressing diagnostic aspects and potential misidentifications reported in the literature that have the potential to confound distribution records and assessments of its pest status. We critically review current knowledge of the biology, ecology, and behavior of <i>S. adipata</i>, together with existing and emerging management and control approaches, including cultural practices, monitoring tools, mass trapping strategies, and biological- and chemical-based tactics. The strengths and limitations of these approaches are discussed in the context of their applicability to fig production systems. Advancing the management of <i>S. adipata</i> requires not only accurate species identification and evaluation of conventional control methods, but also a deeper understanding of its ecology and sexual behavior. Addressing these knowledge gaps will be essential for the development of innovative, effective, and environmentally sustainable management strategies for this emerging pest.