INFLUENCE OF AGE, TIME AND PLANT ON TOXOTRYPANA CURVICAUDA BEHAVIOR.

Abstract

In a field cage, one plant of C. papaya and two non-host plants (Schefflera actinophylla and Ficus benjamina) were confined, and recently emerged Toxotrypana curvicauda, 10 males and 10 females, were released. Their daily activity was recorded for 10 consecutive d. Mature flies (7 d) wereobserved on the host from 13:00 to 17:00 h. Young adult flies visited the host plant for less time than mature flies. Young and mature males remained on the host almost twice the time as the females, they visited the fruits more often tan the females, and more than 80 % of their calls occurred on the hosts. All the calls and mating were observed on the host plant. The insects spent nights on non-host plants.