Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephrmdae) Associated with Umbu (Spondias Tuberosa) 1N the Semiarid Region of Bahia, Brazil (Report‪)‬

Umbu, Spondias tuberoses Arr. Cam. (Anacardiaceae), is a xerophytic tree species endemic to the northeastern Brazilian semiarid region in the states of Piaui, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Bahia, and in the northern part of Minas Gerais (Silva et al. 2004). It occurs in the Caatinga biome, which is characterized by a semiarid climate and a mosaic of vegetation types varying from dry thorn forest to open shrubby vegetation (Costa et al. 2007). Deforestation has recently increased in Caatinga as a result of an expanding human population and the demand for timber and land for cattle ranching (Coimbra-Filho & Cdmara 1996). Few studies have focused on the contribution of Caatinga's biota to biodiversity in Brazil (Leal et al. 2005), and it is considered one of the least known biomes in Brazil regarding terrestrial host-dependent invertebrates (Lewinsohn et al. 2005). The umbu tree is important from an economic and social standpoint to many populations in Brazil's northeast due to its edible fruit and high tolerance to drought. Rural communities in the semiarid region can increase their income through selective extraction of umbu fruit, especially during the prolonged drought periods (Cavalcanti et al. 2006; Santos 1999). The fruit is a round, ovoid, or oblong drupe, 2-3.5 cm long and weighs 10-20 g. The fruit has a thin skin, a large seed, and high content of moisture, ascorbic acid, and iron. The pulp has a very distinct flavor and aroma and its consumption has been increasing in recent years in several regions in northeastern Brazil, not only for the fresh market but also for the processing industry (Narain et al. 1992; Santos 1999).