BIONOMICS OF EULEIA FRATRIA (LOEW) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE): I. LIFE HISTORY AND MATING BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Euleia fratria (Loew), one of two known leaf-mining tephritids in North America, was studied on cow parsnip in the: field and for three generations in the laboratory.In the laboratory oviposition can occur within 3 days of emergence. Eggs are usually inserted from the ventral surface into the parenchyma of the leaf margin. The morphology of the egg as well as the orientation of the mature embryo is described. The incubation period is 6 to 8 days. Larval development out of doors requires 11 to 15 days. Movements of the larvae, especially those leading to the pupation site, were studied. The stage within the puparium lasts 14 to 15 days for the male and 16 to 17 for the female. Adult longevity exceeds 13 weeks. The female is known to lay more than 210 eggs.The effects of diet on longevity, mating, and oviposition were studied. Longevity was sharply curtailed by water alone. Oviposition was good on both the carbohydrate and the carbohydrate plus protein containing diets. Mating occurred on all three regimens.Four genera of parasites, belonging to two families, were reared from field-collected insects.Male and female E. fratria perform elaborate courtship displays which are composed of unique, oft-repeated elements. These elements and their sequence are described.