Mating behaviour of the European leafminer Scaptomyza flava (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Abstract

European leafminer, Scaptomyza flava (Fallén), is an important pest of brassicas, peas and gypsophila in New Zealand. This study examined the mating behaviour of this species for the first time under laboratory conditions. Males were the active sex in the entire mating behavioural sequence involving approaching, courting and mounting females, and copulation. Copulation lasted for about 20 min. There was no significant difference in precourtship, courtship and mating durations between virgin and mated males. However, mated males were significantly more likely to perform courtship and to achieve mating than virgin ones. It is suggested that males learn from mating experience, which helps them achieve higher mating success. Both virgin and mated males tended to disrupt mating couples but could not separate them.