Sexual receptivity and age in Glossina pallidipes Austen (Dipt., Glossinidae)

Abstract

The recent success of the sterile insect technique (SIT) in eradicating Glossina austeni from Zanzibar has stimulated interest in applying this technology to control Glossina pallidipes. However, little is known about the mating behaviour of this species in relation to the development and implementation of an effective SIT programme. The effect of age on male and female receptivity to mating was evaluated together with copulation duration, sperm transfer and the growth of the accessory gland and follicle A in males and females, respectively. Females and males reached their optimal sexual receptivity 9–13 days after emergence. Mean copulation duration was 20–30 min for mature males and females. The growth of follicle A and the accessory gland (apical body) was a function of age of females and males, respectively. Ovulation was not observed in virgin females up to 15 days of age whereas mated females ovulated by day 9. Males aged 7–15 days were equally effective in inseminating. Cages of males and females of different ages were set up to monitor puparial production in relation to optimization of mass rearing. The results are discussed in relation to the development of an efficient mass rearing protocol for this species and an optimal release strategy for sterile males.