Longevity and fecundity of four species of Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

Studies on fruit fly longevity and fertility are important to understand their demographic aspects and to orient implantation of integrated management strategies. This study investigated the longevity of adult Anastrepha species A. fraterculus (Wiedemann), A. sororcula (Zucchi), A. zenildae (Zucchi) and A. obliqua (Macquart). The reproductive pattern was also assessed throughout the life of the species A. sororcula and A. obliqua and fertility at eighteen days of life of the four species. A. zenildae longevity was similar to A. sororcula, longer than A. fraterculus and followed by A. obliqua. No statistical difference between the sexes was observed, except for A. obliqua. The decrease in survival occurred fastest in A. obliqua followed by A. fraterculus and A. sororcula, which was similar to A. zenildae. The highest mean of eggs at 18 days of life was for A. obliqua, followed by A. fraterculus, A. zenildae and A. sororcula. The reproductive pattern over the lifespan differed among the species assessed. A. obliqua presented a longer reproductive period, with more than one oviposition peak and greater daily and total egg production. The differences observed in the survival patterns and egg production and oviposition in the Anastrepha species reflect strategies that may be associated with environmental stability and/or differential response capacity to unstable environments. Thus the existence of similar survival strategies can be suggested between A. obliqua and A. fraterculus and between A. sororcula and A. zenildae.