Sexual behavior of Anastrepha striata Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Anastrepha striata Schiner is one of the seven species of tephritidae that are economically important in Brazilian fruit growing, which can infest more than 16 families of host plants, mainly the Myrtaceae. The objective was to obtain information on the age of sexual maturation of males and females and to describe their reproductive behavior in the laboratory. Males reached sexual maturity between 12 and 16 days after emergence, in which most individuals were sexually mature at 14 days of age. During this period, the males performed rapid movements of the wings, producing audible signals. After the females were attracted, the males performed several courtship movements. Females reached sexual maturity between 16 and 19 days after emergence, and the majority was sexually mature at 17 days of age. Daily exhibitions of sexual activity occurred between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The species A. striata presented a marked pattern of protandry.