Effect of physiological state of young Ceratitis capitata females, on resource foraging behavior

Abstract

We investigated the influence of the physiological state of young female Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) on resource foraging behavior and mating propensity in field cage studies. Three kinds of diets were supplied prior to release on host plants: (1) 2% sucrose, (2) 20% sucrose, and (3) protein hydrolysate. Laboratory‐cultured C. capitata females of different ages, ranging between 3–9 days old, were released in field cages containing two potted citrus tree seedlings, each consisting of either proteinacous or carbohydrate sources. Flies 3–7 days old, exposed to 2% sucrose, showed no preference for either source, while other groups, at the same age, displayed a significant influence of diet. Conversely, the behavior of flies within the age 8–9 days old was governed only by their reproductive needs, all three groups being significantly attracted to protein. In additional field‐cage studies, mating propensity of similar groups was observed. Copulation was significantly higher among immature flies fed on proteinacous diet than those exposed to carbohydrate sources prior to their release.

Effect of food deprivation on attractiveness of food sources, containing natural and artificial sugar and protein, to three African fruit flies: Ceratitis cosyra, Ceratitis fasciventris, and Ceratitis capitata

“…We did not observe a preference to any specific food odour by immature flies of all species that were either fully fed or food deprived (sugar and/or protein). Similarly, Cohen & Voet (2002) found no preference to protein or sugar odours by 3–7‐day‐old C. capitata females that were kept on a very low sucrose concentration. With mature flies, we found that protein‐deprived females preferred protein odours over odours from sugar sources.…”

“…In other field cage studies on responses of flies to food sources such as those by Cohen & Voet (2002), Miller et al. (2004), and Prokopy et al.…”

“…What draws a fly to food bait is usually a confluence of external environmental factors (e.g., temperature and humidity) and internal factors, such as nutritional state (satiation or hunger) or reproductive stage (Dethier, 1976; Bell, 1990; Browne, 1993; Simpson et al., 1995). Studies on several fruit fly species, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), C. capitata , the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew), and the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), confirmed the profound influence of nutritional state on their responses to food sources (Robacker, 1991; Prokopy et al., 1992, 1996 Robacker & Moreno, 1995; Cornelius et al., 2000; Cohen & Voet, 2002; Barry et al., 2003). Flies can adjust their foraging behaviour according to the conditions prevailing in the orchard, such as presence or absence of natural fruit fly food sources and specific nutrients.…”

Selection of oviposition sites by wild Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) based on the nutritional composition

“…Some species of fruit flies become more attracted to sugar and protein when fed on items poor in these nutrients (Cresoni-Pereira & Zucoloto 2001, Cohen & Voet 2002, Fontellas & Zucoloto 2003. However, whether this condition is also applicable to the selection of oviposition sites is not very clear.…”

Attraction of Scavenging Chloropid and Milichiid Flies (Diptera) to Metathoracic Scent Gland Compounds of Plant Bugs (Heteroptera: Miridae)

“…c 1 , Boppre and Pitkin 1988; 2 , this paper; 3 , Sugawara and Muto 1974;4 , Eisner et al 1991;5 , Aldrich and Barros 1995;6 , Hibbard et al 1997;7 , Jantz and Beroza 1967. ton 1995, Cribb 2000, Browne 2001, Cohen and Voet 2002. However, to our knowledge, anautogeny has not been demonstrated for any milichiid or chloropid species, including Hippelates eye gnats, for which only females go to and feed on the mucus of animals (males are attracted to ßowers) (Harwood and James 1979).…”