Abstract
Parareratitella eurycephaka Hardy was found to infest the developing buds of Capparis umbonata Lindl. (Capparidaceae) in the Northern Territory. Larvae appeared to feed on the immature anthers within the bud. This is in contrast to the mistletoe-infesting habits of species from closely related genera. Behavioural observations in the laboratory indicated that this species uses an oviposition-deterring pheromone to reduce the possibility of larval overcrowding in the relatively small host. Observations of mating behaviour showed that P. eurycqhala did not utilise wing movements and posturing during courtship as in many other picture-winged tephritids. Mating involved wing vibration, wing flicking and possible pheromone release by the male to attract receptive females.
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