Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) McPhail Traps for Survey and Detection

Abstract

Modifications of McPhail traps used for survey and detection of fruit flies were evaluated for the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew). Traps containing 2 pellets of hydrolyzed torula yeast-borax bait (HTY) dissolved in water attracted as many Caribbean fruit flies as traps containing 6 pellets. Traps containing 2 pellets attracted significantly fewer miscellaneous species of flies that contaminate traps used for fruit fly survey and detection. Clear glass McPhail traps attracted as many Caribbean fruit flies as did traps that had been painted arc yellow. None of the alternative baits tested were significantly more attractive than HTY. Significantly more Caribbean fruit flies responded to McPhail traps, where they enter from the bottom, than to bucket traps, where they enter from the side. Although significant differences were observed in fly response to traps at different locations, these differences could not be demonstrated as consistently due to host species in which the traps were placed.