Mating Behavior of the Oriental Fruit Fly, Dacus dorsalis HENDEL (Diptera : Tephritidae)

Mating behavior of the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis HENDEL, was studied under laboratory conditions. The precopulation period was quite variable and 29 days were needed for 50% accumulated mating. Ovaries developed with time, and mated females consisted of those with ovaries in an advanced stage of development. Courtship behavior and general pattern of the daily activity rhythm of the oriental fruit fly proved very similar to those of the melon fly, described in earlier studies. Interspecific copulation between two species was not observed.