Size as a factor in the mating propensity of Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), in the laboratory

The authors show that body size of nonirradiated, laboratory-reared Mediteranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is an important factor in mating success. With pupal weight as the estimate of size, 8- and 9-mg flies were optimum in mating success, followed in decreasing order by 6- and 4-mg flies. Mating frequency was generally reduced when females were larger than males. However, mating frequency was generally equal when males were of equal or larger sizes than females. A table of wing measurements is also provided for correlation of wing dimensions (length and width) to pupal weight (mg) for trapped wild C. capitata as a basis for size determination of sterile insects to be used in an eradication program.