MATING-BEHAVIOR OF BACTROCERA LATIFRONS (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE IN-FIELD CAGES

When released on trees inside field cages, Bactrocera latifrons (Hende l) males occupied the undersides of leaves from the middle to upper ca nopy. Before sunset (1/2 - 1 h) and al an average light intensity of 1 ,375 lumens/m(2), males formed aggregations (leks) of 4-9 individuals and began calling behavior. Calling consisted of males rubbing their a bdomen and wings with their hind legs. then fanning the wings in short , rapid bursts. This dispersed pheromone and perhaps created sound. Af ter the light decreased to 1,357 +/- 654.7 (mean +/- SD) lumens/m(2), females responded and mating commenced. Formation of leks and mating b ehavior occurred until sunset (4 min before to 15 min after sunset) an d an average light intensity of 90.2 +/- 50.9 lumens/m(2) . During the period 60-30 min before sunset, 29% of the total matings occurred, wh ereas in the final 30 min before sunset, 59.7% of the total matings oc curred. On average, 33.9 +/- 9.7% of the flies mated.