Some aspects of mating behavior of Glossina morsitans morsitans males infected with a DNA virus

Abstract

Abstract Mating behavior of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood males, inoculated with the DNA virus during the third-instar larval stage, and sexual receptivity of females premated with such males were studied in the laboratory. Like normal males, the virus-infected males readily located females and mounted them instantaneously. The mean duration of copulation was similar in both normal and infected groups, and all males in both groups experienced the final jerking phase before separating. The value for the degree of insemination (mean spermathecal value) for the females mated with normal males was significantly greater than that for the flies mated with the virus-infected males. Although spermathecae of the latter group were devoid of spermatozoa, attempts to remate them with virile, 7-day-old, normal G.m. morsitans males were mostly unsuccessful. By 72 h after mating, over 80% of the females previously mated with the infected, sterile males showed consistent refractoriness. These observations indicate that the virus-infected tsetse males, despite sterility, retain their normal mating efficiency and would be suitable for use in the sterile-insect release program for control of Glossina species.