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

Hadass Cohen, Hillary Voet*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)345-351
Number of pages7
JournalEntomologia Experimentalis et Applicata
Volume104
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2002

Keywords

  • Ceratitis capitata
  • Diptera
  • Food resources
  • Foraging behavior
  • Physiological state
  • Tephritidae

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