Novel markers to distinguish Tephritid pest species

Commonly utilized  mitochondrial and nuclear DNA regions  have proven to be useful molecular tools in studies that examine phylogeographic and phylogenetic relationships among agricultural pest species. However, these genetic markers sometimes provide limited resolution among sibling species and members of species complexes, some considered of economic importance. This research examines alternative genetic targets among a collection of closely-related species. The genetic makers were used to examine numerous Anastrepha species belonging to the  Fraterculus taxonomic group. Along with inherited markers, we examined environmentally acquired markers from pest insect specimens. Regions of  chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) have proven to be highly informative across wide taxonomic levels and are applicable to most plant taxa. By combining diet-based markers with inherited markers, we examine relationships among members of the genus Anastrepha.