The Hawaiian Drosophila are a prime example of adaptive radiation: over time, this lineage has specialized on a variety of plant substrates, fungi, and, a select few, as parasitoids of spider egg masses. However, as invasive species, wild ungulates, and habitat modification continue to be a threat on the islands, the native and endemic fruit flies are left extremely vulnerable. We use a combination of host plant data, conservation records, and the current literature to link the Hawaiian drosophilids to their known host plants. Furthermore, we expand on how this information may be utilized in informing decisions about habitat management and species conservation.
