Submitted to: CRC Press
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: July 30, 1999
Publication Date: N/A
Interpretive Summary: The Tephritidae (true fruit flies) is one of the most agriculturally important families of flies. It includes numerous pests, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and the apple maggot. To control these pests, knowledge of their behavior and relationships is important. A book containing a summary of this information, reanalyzed from an evolutionary perspective is to be published by CRC Press. This invited chapter concerns the behavior of Blepharoneura, the genus of one of the oldest branches on the Tephritidae family tree. Knowledge of its behavior is important to understanding the evolution of particular behaviors across the whole family. This information will aid ARS and other researchers studying fruit flies as well as agencies such as USDA-APHIS that are responsible for fruit fly quarantine and control.
Technical Abstract:
The natural history, host plant relationships, and larval and adult behaviors of species of the genus Blepharoneura are discussed. These flies are highly host specific on certain tissues (male or female flowers, fruits, seeds or stems) of species of the plant family Cucurbitaceae. Adults are unusual in being able to feed on plant tissues. Their wing and other displays are described, including those used in courtship or in aggregations of males.
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