Dispersal in Dipterans: Its Costs and Consequences

Abstract

The reproductive cost of dispersal in dipterans is studied in Drosophila melanogaster. Flight significantly reduces egg production and both the duration of flight and the size of the female are important parameters in this relationship. Activity is positively correlated with size, the probability of dispersal from a site increases with body size. The probability of dispersal of females increases with temperatures although the reproductive cost of dispersal also increases. The dispersal rate of male flies is not correlated with temperature. The dynamics of colonization are discussed in the light of these findings.