Feeding behaviour of Bactrocera cacuminata (Hering) (Diptera: Tephritidae) on methyl eugenol: a laboratory assay

Many dacine (Diptera: Tephritidae) species are attracted to one of two chemical substances, 4-allyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzene (methyl eugenol (ME)) or 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone (cue lure). Despite the fact that these chemicals or analogs occur naturally, their significance in the biology/ecology of the Dacinae has seldom been examined. In this study, we examine the patterns in feeding behaviour of Bactrocera cacuminata (Hering), a monophagous non-pest fruit fly, on ME. Based on a laboratory assay, we found that males of this species fed on ME multiple times within a single day and on multiple days. The pattern of repeat feeding was not related to time since previous feeding or duration of prior feeding. Our results contrast those obtained on a similar study on a related polyphagous species (Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)). We discuss the implications of our findings with a view to explaining the functional significance of dacine response to these plant-derived chemicals.Griffith Sciences, Griffith School of EnvironmentNo Full Tex