Population fluctuations of economic species of Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) related to mango fruiting phenology in Costa Rica.
Jirón L. F., Hedström I.
Author Affiliation: Museo de Insectos, Escuela de Fitotechnica, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Florida Entomologist 74 : 98-105
Abstract : Fruit flies were trapped in 4 localities in Costa Rica during 15 consecutive months using McPhail traps baited with Torula yeast plus borax as an attractant. Observations were made every 2 weeks and population fluctuations were evaluated with respect to the phenology of mango trees in the vicinity. A total of 10?446 fruit flies was collected: 97.6% were Anastrepha spp., 2% were Ceratitis capitata and 0.4% were Toxotrypana curvicauda. A. obliqua was most closely associated with mango, A. striata with guava and other Myrtaceae, and A. serpentina with various species of Sapotaceae. Fruit fly species, the biology of which was unknown, were also collected. In general, the highest densities of Anastrepha species occurred during periods of abundant mature fruit of their respective hosts.