Morphological and behavioral divergences in fruit flies of genus Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) related to differential use of host fruits.

Abstract

Frugivorous species of tephritid flies, including species of Anastrepha, use a large variety of host fruits and display two strategies related to the resources used in the larval stage. In one group, the species are specialized (monophagous/oligophagous) exploring host fruits from a determined genus or family of plants while in the other group, the species are generalists (polyphagous) exploring a large number of different host plants. Monophagy and poliphagy are also associated with behavior differences among species. In general, resources distribution, particularly those used for feeding, influence mating behavior. The project aim to evaluate if morphological, behavioral and genetic divergencies occurred among generalists and specialists species of Anastrepha, as well as in population samples of A. sp.1 aff. fraterculus, in either cases using flies derived from distinct host fruits. Phenotypic differences will be evaluated by scanning electron microscopy of the antenna´s sensilla, by geometric morphometry of wings and by asymmetry of frontal and post-orbital bristles. Variation in behavior will be studied in tests of mating compatibility, partner choice and the females choice for oviposition, genetic divergencies by microsatellites, using flies recovered from distinct host fruits. (AU)