Daily activity patterns and within-field distribution of papaya fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Morelos and Veracruz, Mexico.
Aluja M., Jiménez A., Piñero J., Camino M., Aldana L., Valdés M. E., Castrejón V., Jácome I., Dávila B., Figueroa R.
Author Affiliation: Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Apartado Postal 63, 91000 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
Annals of the Entomological Society of America 90 : 505-520
Abstract : Within-orchard distribution patterns and diel patterns of oviposition, male calling, mating, feeding, and resting behaviours of Toxotrypana curvicauda were quantified in experimental and commercial papaya [pawpaw] orchards in the states of Morelos and Veracruz, Mexico. Essential resources (such as oviposition substrates, sites to perform sexual activities, food, shelter) were identified in both pawpaw plantations and in adjacent native vegetation. In pawpaw monocrops, T. curvicauda adults flew back and forth between native vegetation and pawpaw plantations. They entered plantations in the morning and left them in the afternoon. As a consequence, the highest proportion of individuals was sighted in border rows (those closest to native vegetation). If pawpaw plantations were mixed (pawpaw, mango, avocado, guanabana (Annona muricata)), both within-orchard distribution and daily movement patterns differed when compared with those observed in pawpaw monocrops. Here, most flies were seen in areas next to mango or avocado trees (shelter sites) and not in plantation borders. The findings are discussed in light of their practical implications.