Male mating success and body size in the European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi L. (Dipt., Tephritidae)

Abstract

Abstract: Sexually selected traits or characteristics are often found to cause a non‐random distribution of male mating success. Understanding which traits or characteristics affect the mating success of insect pests is important for pest management strategies that are designed to interfere with normal reproduction. The European cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi L., Tephritidae) is a serious pest of sweet‐cherries in Europe. Little is known about the mating behaviour and individual differences in mating success in the species. In this study R. cerasi males were found to have a non‐random distribution of mating success. However, size of males did not affect male mating success, nor was there any difference in size between mated and unmated females in this study. The importance of characteristics other than size for male mating success and the importance of female choice are discussed.