Selection of pupation habitats by oriental fruit fly larvae in the laboratory

We performed a series of laboratory experiments to determine the effects of shade, soil moisture, and soil compaction on the selection of pupation hab itats by wandering late-instar Oriental fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis (H endel). Larvae showed a strong preference toward pupating in shaded rather than brightly lit areas, in moist rather than dry soil, and in soil with la rger particle sizes. These behavioral preferences are likely to lean to clu mped distribution of Oriental fruit fly pupae in natural habitats. The impl ications of this for management of localized populations by chemical and bi ological methods are discussed.