Oviposition behavior in wild Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) (Diptera: Tephritidae): Initial study of associative learning related to a protein source.

Abstract

In associative learning, experience enables an animal to associate a conditioned stimulus with some other meaningful stimulus producing either positive or negative effects. In this way, on a subsequent encounter, the response that was previously elicited only by the meaningful stimulus is then elicited by the conditioned stimulus as well. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether wild Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) females are able to associate the presence of quinine sulphate (QS) in the composition of oviposition substrates with the presence of brewer's yeast (a protein source). First, the females were submitted to an experience period with artificial substrate containing brewer's yeast + QS (YQS substrate). After this period, the females were allowed to choose between substrates with or without QS. In one group, the substrates contained brewer's yeast (YQS x Y substrates); in the other group, the substrates contained only agar (AQS x A substrates). In the YQS x Y choice situation, a smaller quantity of eggs was found on YQS substrates, only on the first choice day. In the AQS x A choice situation, there was no preference for one of the substrates on each of the three choice days. However, we think it is too early to state that A. obliqua females are not able to perform the association in question. These flies show a high behavioral flexibility concerning their oviposition behavior strategies. Besides, this behavior, in this species, includes several stages. Based on it, possible explanations for the results are discussed in this study.Keywords: Brewer's yeast, effect of experience, egg-laying behavior, fruit flies.

Ovipositional behaviour of two mango fruit fly species (Diptera Tephritidae) in relation to <i>Oecophylla</i> cues (Hymenoptera Formicidae) as compared to natural conditions without ant cues

“…When mangoes were ant-marked, no significant difference was detected between the two fruit fly species in terms of time spent on fruit and for laying eggs. Ant cues can be included in the series of environmental and physiological factors which can affect (Dukas et al, 2001;Leal et al, 2008) the several phases included in the ovipositional behaviour of fruit flies (Aluja et al, 2000).…”

An omics evolutionary perspective on phytophagous insect–host plant interactions in Anastrepha obliqua: a review

“…This fact is relevant for the diversification process, management strategies, and the interspecific relationships of A. obliqua . Research includes studies of the genetic population structure in some areas of its distribution (Ruiz‐Arce et al, 2012, 2019; Aguirre‐Ramirez et al, 2017; Passos et al, 2018); molecular mechanisms and phenotypic plasticity (i.e., the ability of one genotype to produce different phenotypes under different environmental conditions) (Velasco‐Cuervo et al, 2021; Lemos‐Lucumi et al, 2022); morphometric characteristics (Castañeda et al, 2015a); reproductive behavior (Aluja et al, 2001; Leal & Zucoloto, 2008); chemical ecology (Cruz‐López et al, 2006; Aluja et al, 2020; De Aquino et al, 2021); relationships with microbiota (Gallo‐Franco & Toro‐Perea, 2020; Amores et al, 2021; Cárdenas‐Hernández et al, 2022); and phylogenetic relationships (Smith‐Caldas et al, 2001; Ruiz‐Arce et al, 2012). These studies have revealed a marked genetic structure (Ruiz‐Arce et al, 2012; Aguirre‐Ramirez et al, 2017) and morphological differentiation (Castañeda et al, 2015) between populations of A. obliqua throughout its distribution range, and the importance of host plants in its genetic makeup and intra‐ and interspecific relationships.…”