Courtship and Territoriality of Laboratory-reared Mexican Fruit Flies, Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae), in Cages Containing Host and Nonhost Trees

Abstract

Courtship and territoriality of laboratory-reared Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens (Loew), were observed in cages containing host and nonhost trees. Both males and females preferred the undersides of host leaves at all times of the day. Females but not males also spent much time on fruit. Males established single-leaf territories on the undersides of host leaves beginning several hours before scotophase. Males exhibited sexual behavior, including elevation of the abdomen, puffing of pleural areas of the abdomen, eversion of a rectal pouch, and rapid wing vibration, on their territories. Most matings took place when females approached calling males, and males mounted following a brief and variable courtship. Most male–male agonistic behavior occurred on the undersides of host leaves during the sexual activity period. Female–female agonistic behavior occurred mostly on fruit before the sexual activity period and on the undersides of host leaves during the sexual activity period. Courtship and evolution are discussed in relation to other Anastrepha species.