Mating Behavior of Wild Melon Flies, Dacus Cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) in a Field Cage: Courtship Behavior

Abstract

The mating behavior of wild melon flies, Dacus cucurbitae COQUILLETT, released on a field-caged non-host tree (coral tree) was observed. When the light intensity decreased toward dusk, males stationed themselves on the bottom surface of leaves and formed a lek. In the lek, males were stationary, then engaged in wing vibration and released a sex pheromone. Each male individually occupied a leaf as a territory and defended it against other males which approached. When the males began to release pheromone, a female approached a chosen male from the front, and the male attempted copulation. © 1985, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.