Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2000) 94, 133-139

Suk-Ling Wee and Keng-Hong Tan (2000)
Sexual maturity and intraspecific mating success of two sibling species of the Bractocera dorsalis complex
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 94 (2), 133-139
Abstract: Bactrocera carambolae Drew and Hancock and B. papayae Drew and Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae), two closely related sibling species in the B. dorsalis (Hendel) complex were shown to have different rates of sexual maturity. The response of B. carambolae males to methyl eugenol was observed to begin 10 days after emergence and increased with age. The attractancy peaked at 28 days after emergence and above. The males were also found to require a higher dosage of methyl eugenol (1 mg) for optimal response. These results are in contrast with those of B. papayae reported previously. The response to methyl eugenol was also observed to correspond with the age when first mating was performed.
After eclosion, both sexes of B. carambolae mated approximately 2 weeks later and showed significantly lower matings/individual when compared with B. papayae in a 60-day observation period. Both sexes of B. papayae and males of B. carambolae were able to remate on the next day. However, B. carambolae females required a minimum refractory period of 8 days in order to be sexually receptive again.
During the 60-day period, the mating propensity in B. papayae (100% success) was higher than B. carambolae (71-87% success) (P < 0.05). This observation was substantiated by a higher intraspecific mating success of B. papayae as compared to B. carambolae in a field cage (P < 0.001).
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Suk Ling Wee, Keng-Hong Tan

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Bactrocera carambolae		Malaysia
	Bactrocera dorsalis		Malaysia