ABSTRACT
Sexual selection determines the evolution of the species by favoring some attributes that confer a reproductive advantage to those individuals with those attributes. Tephritidae flies do not always select the same traits when looking for a mating partner. Some aspects of the mating system of Anastrepha curvicauda are known; nevertheless, there is no information on the effect of age, size, and virginity when selecting a mating partner. We set up a series of experiments where a selector (male or female) may select between (a) an old or young partner, (b) a small or large partner, and (c) a virgin or mated partner. Males of A. curvicauda significantly preferred large, young, and virgin females, while females showed no preference for high- or low-quality males. The females' non-preference for a particular male is discussed in the light of their mating system.
ABSTRACT
A new host record is reported for the braconid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), parasitizing papaya fruit fly larvae Toxotrypana curvicauda Gerstaecker (Diptera: Tephritidae) in México.
Subject(s)
Diptera/parasitology , Hymenoptera/physiology , Animals , Larva/parasitologyABSTRACT
A new host record is reported for the braconid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), parasitizing papaya fruit fly larvae Toxotrypana curvicauda Gerstaecker (Diptera: Tephritidae) in México.
Se registra por primera vez a Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) parasitando a larvas de la mosca de la papaya, Toxotrypana curvicauda Gerstaecker en México.
