Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2002) 104, 345-351

Hadass Cohen and Hillary Voet (2002)
Effect of physiological state of young Ceratitis capitata females, on resource foraging behavior
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 104 (2-3), 345-351
Abstract: We investigated the influence of the physiological state of young female Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) on resource foraging behavior and mating propensity in field cage studies. Three kinds of diets were supplied prior to release on host plants: (1) 2% sucrose, (2) 20% sucrose, and (3) protein hydrolysate. Laboratory-cultured C. capitata females of different ages, ranging between 3-9 days old, were released in field cages containing two potted citrus tree seedlings, each consisting of either proteinacous or carbohydrate sources. Flies 3-7 days old, exposed to 2% sucrose, showed no preference for either source, while other groups, at the same age, displayed a significant influence of diet. Conversely, the behavior of flies within the age 8-9 days old was governed only by their reproductive needs, all three groups being significantly attracted to protein. In additional field-cage studies, mating propensity of similar groups was observed. Copulation was significantly higher among immature flies fed on proteinacous diet than those exposed to carbohydrate sources prior to their release.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Hadass Cohen

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ceratitis capitata	Citrus (genus)