Journal of Insect Behavior (2013) 26, 708-720

Eduardo Tadeo, Martín Aluja and Juan Rull (2013)
Alternative mating tactics as potential prezygotic barriers to gene flow between two sister species of frugivorous fruit flies
Journal of Insect Behavior 26 (5), 708-720
Abstract: Rhagoletis completa Cresson and Rhagoletis zoqui Bush, are two sister species in the suavis group that were thought to occupy non-overlapping geographical ranges. Recent discovery of a contact zone in North Eastern México where natural interspecific hybrids with intermediate morphotypes can be found has led to laboratory studies in small enclosures that failed to identify the existence of reproductive barriers capable of maintaining the genetic integrity of both species. Because the experimental approach used in such studies could have interfered with natural behavior of flies, a series of additional mating compatibility tests under much less restrictive conditions were performed. Our observations, confirmed the fact that males and females of both species engage in interspecific matings. However, R. completa females were more reluctant to engage in heterospecific matings than R. zoqui females, revealing asymmetries in sexual isolation. Also, careful scrutiny of male guarding behavior and species specific partitioning of mating location unveiled subtle differences that could result in reproductive isolation if reinforced during secondary contact.
(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): Martín Aluja

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.
	Rhagoletis completa		Mexico
	Rhagoletis zoqui		Mexico