Physiological state influences the antennal response of Anastrepha obliqua to male and host volatiles

Abstract

The sexual and host-related behaviours of the fruit fly Anastrepha obliqua Macquart (Diptera: Tephritidae) are mediated by volatile compounds. However, whether the physiological state of this species affects its antennal and behavioural responses to semiochemicals is unknown. The effects of age, mating status, diet and the topical application of methoprene, a Juvenile hormone analogue (JHA), on the antennal sensitivity of this tephritid fruit fly species to selected male [(Z)-3-nonenol] and host fruit volatiles (ethyl benzoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl butyrate and trans-β-ocimene) are investigated using electroantennography (EAG). Overall, (Z)-3-nonenol and ethyl benzoate elicit the highest EAG responses in both sexes. Flies of both sexes aged 1, 5 and 10 days old show higher EAG responses to the tested compounds compared with flies aged 20 days old. Virgin females and males show higher EAG responses to volatile compounds than mated flies. Females and males fed with sugar plus protein show higher antennal responses to volatiles compared with flies fed sugar or protein alone. Flies of both sexes treated with methoprene show higher antennal responses than flies treated with acetone (control). These results suggest that the peripheral olfactory system in A. obliqua is modulated by the physiological state of the flies.

Intestinal bacteria modulate the foraging behavior of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

“…Thus, for example, in the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae), flies deprived of amino acids exhibit an enhanced response to amino acids missing from their diets [8]. Similarly, tephritid fruit fly sensory responses and foraging activity are affected by nutritional status [9–11].…”

Electroantennogram responses of Plutella xylostella (L.), to sex pheromone components and host plant volatile semiochemicals

“…Egyptian cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis , age had an impact on antennal sensitivity (Martel, Anderson, Hansson, & Schlyter, 2009). Fruit fly Anastrepha oblique Macquart (Diptera: Tephritidae) showed higher EAG responses to the tested host volatiles in young adults (Reyes, Malo, Toledo, Cruz‐Esteban, & Rojas, 2017).…”

Reproductive behavior of fruit flies: courtship, mating, and oviposition

“…This was also observed in Ceratitis capitata and B. tryoni , where the amount of protein intake is directly related to the intensity of sex pheromone release 226,227 . Protein intake also makes A. obliqua more sensitive to sex pheromones 83 . A lack of protein will reduce the sexual competitiveness of fruit flies, but probiotic addition will compensate for this, as observed in A. ludens 228 .…”

“…226,227 Protein intake also makes A. obliqua more sensitive to sex pheromones. 83 A lack of protein will reduce the sexual competitiveness of fruit flies, but probiotic addition will compensate for this, as observed in A. ludens. 228 In addition to protein, sugar is an essential nutrient for fruit fly survival and plays a role in sex pheromone synthesis.…”