Pupariation time as a source of variability in mating performance in mass-reared Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The effect of time of pupariation on pupal weight and adult sexual competitiveness under field cage conditions was studied in mass-reared Anastrepha ludens (Loew) males. Larvae that took 72 h to pupariate after separation from diet resulted in lighter pupae than those that took 24 and 48 h. Wild pupae were heavier than the 48- and the 72-h pupae but not the 24-h pupae. Interestingly, no differences in mating performance were found between males of the 24- and 48-h pupae despite differences in pupal weight. In general, lower-than expected levels of mating compatibility between sterile and wild A. ludens resulted from the interaction of both strains as more homotypic pairs were observed. Discussion focuses on the effect of the mass-rearing process on male fruit fly mating performance.