New Distributional Record of Dacus persicus (Diptera: Tephritidae), A Biocontrol Agent of Calotropis Procera (Apocynaceae), from Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

The tephritid species Dacus persicus Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) exhibits strict host specificity to Calotropis species and is known as a destructive seed feeder of Calotropis procera. During field surveys, D. persicus larval stages were obtained from infested fruits of C. procera whereas adults were collected through sweep net sampling. This study documents the occurrence of D. persicus from southern district of Punjab, thereby extending its known distribution within the province beyond previous records from northern Punjab. Adult’s specimens were reared from field collected fruits and net-sweeping. Adults were identified based on detailed morphological examination of external characters and female ovipositor structures, following standard taxonomic keys. Diagnostic features of both sexes are illustrated and described to facilitate accurate identification. The strict host association observed in the study confirms the monophagous nature of D. persicus from Pakistan and provides baseline information for future studies on its distribution, ecology, and potential role in the biological regulation of C. procera.