Marking Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) with fluorescent pigments : effects of pigment colour and concentration

Daylight fluorescent pigment powders are frequently used to self-mark tephritid flies that are released in sterile insect technique programmes and for studies on their population ecology, movement and behaviour. This study was conducted to determine the effects of pigment colour and dose in marking the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Six pigment colours (Astral Pink 1, Blaze 5, Stellar Green 8, Lunar Yellow 27, Comet Blue 60 and Invisible Blue 70) were applied to pupae at doses of 0, 2, 4, or 6 g/l. Under laboratory conditions, pigment colour had a small but significant effect on the number of partially emerged and deformed adults; the fewest of these were observed when flies were marked with Astral Pink 1. Pigment concentration, on the other hand, had no effect on adult emergence, partial emergence, deformed adults and mortality on the last day of eclosion. There was no significant effect of pigment colour on adult survival under laboratory and semi-field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, however, there was an effect of pigment concentration on adult survival depending on pigment colour. Visibility under an ultraviolet light and persistence of marks was significantly affected by pigment colour and concentration when observed under laboratory conditions, but not under semi-field conditions. Regardless of colour or dose, pigments used in the study were visible for at least 14 days, but began to fade by 21 days after adult eclosion. To mark B. dorsalis under temperate, warmsummer African conditions, all pigment colours tested in this study may be applied at 2–4 g/l pupae. Recaptures ofmarkedandreleased fliesmaybe underestimated as the flies age.Citrus Research International (project 1075), Hortgro Science, and the South African Table Grape Industry as well as the The South African Government through its Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme(THRIP; project TP1207132909).http://www.journals.co.za/content/journal/entohttp://www.entsocsa.co.za/Publications.htmam2017Zoology and Entomolog

Effect of sex, age and morphological traits on tethered flight of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) at different temperatures

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a pest of fruit and vegetable production that has become established in 42 countries in Africa after its first detection in 2003 in Kenya. It is likely that this rapid expansion is partly due to the reported strong capacity for flight by the pest. This study investigated the tethered flight performance of B. dorsalis over a range of constant temperatures in relation to sex and age. Tethered flight of unmated B. dorsalis aged 3, 10 and 21 days was recorded for 1 h using a computerized flight mill at temperatures of 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 °C. Variations in fly morphology were observed as they aged. Body mass and wing loading increased with age, whereas wing length and wing area reduced as flies aged. Females had slightly larger wings than males but were not significantly heavier. The longest total distance flown by B. dorsalis in 1 h was 1559.58 m. Frequent short, fast flights were recorded at 12 and 36 °C, but long‐distance flight was optimal between 20 and 24 °C. Young flies tended to have shorter flight bouts than older flies, which was associated with them flying shorter distances. Heavier flies with greater wing loading flew further than lighter flies. Flight distances recorded on flight mills approximated those recorded in the field, and tethered flight patterns suggest a need to factor temperature into the interpretation of trap captures.Citrus Research International; Hortgro Science; South African Table Grape Industry and National Research Foundation.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/136530322021-05-20hj2021Zoology and Entomolog

Marking Bactrocera dorsalis

Daylight fluorescent pigment powders are frequently used to self-mark tephritid flies that are released in sterile insect technique programmes and for studies on their population ecology, movement and behaviour. This study was conducted to determine the effects of pigment colour and dose in marking the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Six pigment colours (Astral Pink 1, Blaze 5, Stellar Green 8, Lunar Yellow 27, Comet Blue 60 and Invisible Blue 70) were applied to pupae at doses of 0, 2, 4, or 6 g/l. Under laboratory conditions, pigment colour had a small but significant effect on the number of partially emerged and deformed adults; the fewest of these were observed when flies were marked with Astral Pink 1. Pigment concentration, on the other hand, had no effect on adult emergence, partial emergence, deformed adults and mortality on the last day of eclosion. There was no significant effect of pigment colour on adult survival under laboratory and semi-field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, however, there was an effect of pigment concentration on adult survival depending on pigment colour. Visibility under an ultraviolet light and persistence of marks was significantly affected by pigment colour and concentration when observed under laboratory conditions, but not under semi-field conditions. Regardless of colour or dose, pigments used in the study were visible for at least 14 days, but began to fade by 21 days after adult eclosion. To mark B. dorsalis under temperate, warmsummer African conditions, all pigment colours tested in this study may be applied at 2–4 g/l pupae. Recaptures ofmarkedandreleased fliesmaybe underestimated as the flies age.Citrus Research International (project 1075), Hortgro Science, and the South African Table Grape Industry as well as the The South African Government through its Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme(THRIP; project TP1207132909).http://www.journals.co.za/content/journal/entohttp://www.entsocsa.co.za/Publications.htmam2017Zoology and Entomolog