Oviposition behavior in wild Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) (Diptera: Tephritidae): Initial study of associative learning related to a protein source.

Thamara A B S Leal,Fernando S Zucoloto

doi:10.3922/j.psns.2008.2.007

Thamara A B S Leal, Fernando S Zucoloto

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3922/j.psns.2008.2.007

Copy DOI

Abstract

In associative learning, experience enables an animal to associate a conditioned stimulus with some other meaningful stimulus producing either positive or negative effects. In this way, on a subsequent encounter, the response that was previously elicited only by the meaningful stimulus is then elicited by the conditioned stimulus as well. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether wild Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) females are able to associate the presence of quinine sulphate (QS) in the composition of oviposition substrates with the presence of brewer's yeast (a protein source). First, the females were submitted to an experience period with artificial substrate containing brewer's yeast + QS (YQS substrate). After this period, the females were allowed to choose between substrates with or without QS. In one group, the substrates contained brewer's yeast (YQS x Y substrates); in the other group, the substrates contained only agar (AQS x A substrates). In the YQS x Y choice situation, a smaller quantity of eggs was found on YQS substrates, only on the first choice day. In the AQS x A choice situation, there was no preference for one of the substrates on each of the three choice days. However, we think it is too early to state that A. obliqua females are not able to perform the association in question. These flies show a high behavioral flexibility concerning their oviposition behavior strategies. Besides, this behavior, in this species, includes several stages. Based on it, possible explanations for the results are discussed in this study.

Highlights

Previous experience plays an important role in the recognition and preference for the host plant (Dethier, 1982)
Experience enables an animal to associate a stimulus with no specific meaning with a given meaningful stimulus producing either positive or negative effects
Secondary compounds that are present in hosts, as quinine, may act as stimulatory or deterrent compounds, according to their concentration (Bernays & Chapman, 2000; Chapman, 2003)

Summary

Introduction

Previous experience plays an important role in the recognition and preference for the host plant (Dethier, 1982). Experience enables an animal to associate a stimulus with no specific meaning (conditioned stimulus) with a given meaningful stimulus (unconditioned stimulus) producing either positive or negative effects. In this way, on a subsequent encounter, the response that was previously elicited only by the meaningful stimulus is elicited by the conditioned stimulus as well (Bernays, 1995). In insects, learning may change the preference for oviposition sites by females that are exposed to different host plants (Cunningham & West, 2001). Gravid females of Pieris rapae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera), for instance, associate a favorable chemical stimulus of oviposition with the appearance of the acceptable site, which facilitates host selection from a distance (Traynier, 1984)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion