Antoine Franck

COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF COURTSHIP BEHAVIOR OF CERATITIS SPP. (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) IN REUNION ISLAND

Abstract Three species of Ceratitis (Diptera: Tephritidae) are damaging fruit crops in the French island of La Réunion, in the Indian Ocean. A comparison is given on the status of knowledge of mating behavior in these three species. Aspects examined include male pheromone calling (behavioral sequences, circadian rhythm, factors influencing calling), lek formation and precopulatory behavior. While Ceratitis capitata courtship behavior has been heavily studied in many countries, research data are still scarce for Ceratitis rosa and are only preliminary for Ceratitis catoirii.

Adult diet and exposure to semiochemicals influence male mating success in Ceratitis rosa (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Natal fruit fly, Ceratitis rosa (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a major pest of fruit crops in Reunion island. The sterile insect technique (SIT), which has frequently been used against some fruit fly species, could also contribute to the control of this pest. However, mass‐rearing procedures and irradiation can strongly reduce the mating competitiveness of males. In this study, we investigated the influence of two essential oils [ginger root oil (GRO) and orange oil (OO)] on the males of C. rosa, in terms of attractiveness and effect on mating success. The influence of adult food regime on mating success of the males was also studied.