Population dynamics and host relationships of Neotropical fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in seasonal and non-seasonal environments.
Hedström I.
Author Affiliation: Department of Zoology, Uppsala University, Villavägen 9, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
International Journal of Pest Management 39 : 400-410
Abstract : Seasonal variation in abundance of Anastrepha striata, A. obliqua and Ceratitis capitata was determined by monitoring adults in food-baited standard McPhail traps, during 14 to 28 month periods in 1985-89 at 7 sites with different habitats and elevations in Costa Rica. Most traps were hung in guava trees, but a few were set in mango plantations. Population fluctuations were evaluated with respect to phenology of host trees and rainfall. The peak number of Anastrepha striata, A. obliqua and Ceratitis capitata captured was significantly correlated with the fruiting peaks of their major hosts. There was no direct relationship between rainfall and variation in number of flies trapped, except for C. capitata, which was more abundant in drier habitats and in periods of less precipitation. The duration of the adult emergence period declined as temperatures rose. Oviposition and feeding behaviour, host infestation rates, sex ratios, and responses to coloured traps, are also presented and discussed.