The Dacine fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacini) is a large and diverse group, with 83 pest species that cause considerable damage to cultivated fruit and cucurbits. Many (24) of these pests are present in Oceania, and their restricted endemic individual distributions severely limit international trade of fresh produce. Intensive host fruit survey work carried out under the Regional Fruit Fly Project in the Pacific has improved our understanding of their economic impact and helped resolve species complexes among pests. Recent surveys in the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Vanuatu have uncovered 6 new species and several new distribution and male lure records, bringing the total to at least 92 species. We present the ongoing project to compile a monograph on fruit flies of Oceania, with user-friendly illustrated keys, that will also unlock previously unpublished biological information generated under the Regional Fruit Fly Project.
