Changes in the ovaries of olive flies (Dacus oleae (Gmelin)) during the summer, and their relationship to temperature, humidity and fruit availability

Abstract

Abstract. 1. Examination of the ovaries of female olive flies (Dacus oleae) from wild populations on Corfu during the summer months of 1975 indicated that all were non‐gravid for a period of several weeks during June and July and the terminal follicles were resorbed.2. Experiments in outdoor cages indicated that olive fruits could stimulate ovarian development during the summer months.3. Experiments in constant temperature cabinets indicated that high temperatures (i. e. 26–29°C) in conjunction with a low humidity (45 ± 5°%) inhibited ovarian maturation.4. Whereas the presence of olive fruits offset the effects of temperature and humidity on ovarian development at 26°C in all flies, at 29°C very few were able to mature their ovaries.5. It is suggested that it is the interaction of temperature, humidity and access to fruit which determine when ovarian maturation ceases and recommences during the summer months.