Diel patterns of reproductive activities in the tomato fruit fly, Neoceratitis cyanescens

We describe the diurnal temporal and spatial patterns of reproductive activ ities (mating and ovipositing) of adult tomato fruit flies, Neoceratitis cy anescens (Bezzi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), under laboratory, field-cage and f ield conditions. The distribution pattern of flies in the different habitat s (host and nonhost plants) showed temporal, physiological and sexual diffe rences. Mature females were observed to frequent host plants preferentially , particularly in the late afternoon. By contrast, immature females preferr ed to rest on non-host plants throughout the day. Males frequented mainly n on-host plants but some were observed on host fruits in the morning. Mating activity took place preferentially on non-host plants, in the morning. In laboratory cages, females showed a strong daily propensity to engage in mat ing behaviour; the mean percentage of mating females was 88 +/- 5%. Time al lotted to this activity (4 h 52 min +/- 1 h 23 min in laboratory cages and at least 3 h for the mating pairs observed in the field) appeared considera ble compared to the time required to satisfy feeding or oviposition activit ies. Except for a few ovipositing females observed in the morning, oviposit ion activities occurred mainly in the late afternoon.