Feeding and mating behaviour of African fruit flies

Abstract

The majority of African fruit fly species are controlled using behavioural methods (e.g. attract and kill). Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has also been successfully used for a few African fruit fly pests, mostly outside of the African region. A thorough understanding of the feeding and mating behaviour of fruit fly pests is required when using behavioural control methods and SIT for fruit fly control. The feeding and mating behaviour of key African fruit fly pests are reviewed. Feeding and mating behaviours have been elucidated for only a few species with a wider global distribution. For the remaining Ceratitis, Bactrocera and Dacus species with a limited worldwide distribution, there are still important knowledge gaps in their behavioural ecology. With horticulture expanding in Africa and increasing trade of horticultural produce from the region, it is important that these knowledge gaps are filled so that control methods can be optimised.