The Effect of Photoperiod, Light Intensity, and Temperature on Copulation, Oviposition, and Fertility of the Mexican Fruit Fly1

Abstract

The influence of photoperiod, light intensity, and temperature on the late afternoon or early evening mating habit of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew), was investigated in bioclimatic cabinets. The normal diurnal cycle was reversed, daylight simulated from 6 PM to 6 AM, and light intensities increased or decreased during 15-min periods at the beginning and end of the 12-hr simulated-daylight period. When maximum light intensity of 375 ft-c was reduced to 75 ft-c during the simulated sunset to sunrise period, and temperature fluctuated from 70°-80°F, with RH 70%-80%, flies reached sexual maturity in 12 days. Copulatory rhythm changed to be in phase with reversed diurnal cycle. Decreasing light intensities were not obligatory for copulation. Gravid flies held in constant darkness continued to oviposit normally.