Mating behavior of Bactrocera latifrons (Diptera: Tephritidae in field cages

When released on trees inside field cages, Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) males occupied the undersides of leaves from the middle to upper canopy. 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 abdomen and wings with their hind legs. then fanning the wings in short, rapid bursts. This dispersed pheromone and perhaps created sound. After the light decreased to 1,357 +/- 654.7 (mean +/- SD) lumens/m(2), females responded and mating commenced. Formation of leks and mating behavior occurred until sunset (4 min before to 15 min after sunset) and 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, whereas in the final 30 min before sunset, 59.7% of the total matings occurred. On average, 33.9 +/- 9.7% of the flies mated.