Book excerpt: As global warming and species migration become more prevalent issues, there is an urgent need for a text that provides comprehensive taxonomic details and geographic distributions of Dacinae fruit flies within south-east Asia. In particular, some of the major pest species of this region are being introduced on a regular basis to new geographical areas, causing widespread food security issues and economic hardship. Quarantine and horticultural organizations require detailed information on these fruit fly species in order to detect and eradicate any new incursions. This major new reference work details the taxonomic research into the subfamily Dacinae, which contains the tropical fruit flies of south-east Asia, as well as many other regions of the world. While focusing on south-east Asian fauna, all known species are included, through a study of the type material available in museums around the world. Specimens collected in major surveys conducted across Asia from 1983 to present have also been used to ensure a complete, in-depth review of this subfamily. Providing complete descriptions and artwork of all species of Dacinae recorded from the south-east Asian region for the first time, this book is written and illustrated by experts with over 80 years' combined research experience. Areas covered include: India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Palau, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is an essential reference for departments of agriculture, researchers and students of entomology and quarantine, horticultural and chemical industry personnel worldwide. Key features: - 120 recently discovered species - 500 detailed drawings - Revision of all known species - Updated geographical distributions and host records - Accurate list and detailed information of all known pest species This book will be followed by Keys to Fruit Flies of South-East Asia.