ABSTRACT Three species of the Anastrepha fraterculus complex (AF complex) occur in eastern Brazil, namely Anastrepha sp.1 aff. fraterculus, Anastrepha sp.2 aff. fraterculus, and Anastrepha sp.3 aff. fraterculus. Along their extensive distribution, which differs in relation to geographic topography, they present differences in the host fruit usage in some zones of sympatry. The dynamics underlying the extant distribution pattern of the three species of the AF complex in eastern Brazil was herein analysed by a novel application of the generalized logical formalism methodology. The present report illustrates that two factors, the uni-directional incompatibility between sp1 and sp2, with the former overriding the second, besides a yet unknown environmental factor related to altitude, play an instructional role in the generation of the extant distribution pattern observed in nature. Simulations about temporal order of invasion of species in a given area showed that the outcome is independent of the order of arrival of the species. This kind of approach has also a potential to make predictions about the population dynamics after the introduction of species, or the eradication of species in a given area.
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