Oviposition and Mating Behaviour of the Queensland Fruit-Fly (Dacus (Strumeta) Tryoni (Frogg.) ) and the Solanum Fruit-Fly (Dacus (Strumeta) Cacuminatus (Hering) )

Abstract

A method for the laboratory culture of D. tryoni is descr. Larval production is influenced by the intensity of light experienced during the day. In apples under the higher intensities of artificial light more larvae are produced than under lower intensities of daylight alone. Lower light intensities prior to darkness are necessary for the mating activity of D. tryoni. Under natural conditions mating behavior is stimulated by these lower intensities. No mating normally occurs when this dusk period is omitted from the daily light conditions to which the insects are exposed. Light intensity throughout the day has been shown to affect the rate of male mating activity in the evening, using copulatory activity and male mating "calls" as criteria. D. tryoni and P. cacuminatus do not interbreed. An introductory analysis of the barriers to crossing is made.