The Effect of Cuelure on Attracting and Feeding Behavior in Zeugodacus tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The wide distribution of fruit flies and, the diversity of their host species, along with the seriousness of the damage and the huge economic losses they cause, mean that controlling fruit flies is time-critical and economically important. As a highly effective and environmentally friendly method of pest control, lures play an important role in the management of fruit flies. Cuelure (4-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-2-butanone, CL), a male fly lure, was first shown to be attractive to melon flies in 1960. CL is an effective bioactive compound that is commonly used for the investigation, monitoring and trapping of Zeugodacus tau Male flies are attracted to the lure, which they then feed on. Here, we tested the effects of fly age and time of day on the response of male Z. tau to CL, and the effect of CL feeding on the quality of virgin Z. tau males. The results of this study will provide a basic theoretical guide to investigating the tropism mechanism of CL-attracted Z. tau. ABSTRACT: As a vital pest control strategy, trapping plays an important role in the system of monitoring, catching and killing fruit flies. Cuelure (4-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-2-butanone, CL) is a male lure that attracts Zeugodacus tau and also stimulates feeding in this species. In this study, the attraction of Z. tau to CL and its subsequent feeding behavior were investigated. Under the significant influence of age and time of day, the attraction of CL to Z. tau was found to be optimal when flies were 14 days old, and the number of flies trapped increased with trapping duration. It was determined that consumption can improve the mating success and female adult fertility of Z. tau. After the observation period, the mating success rate of flies that ingested CL was significantly higher than that of the control group and was maintained at a higher level. It was found that parental consumption of CL could accelerate the development of eggs and larvae, resulting in increased pupation and emergence rates. The results of this study will further clarify the dynamic relationship between pest and lure, and provide a research basis for navigating the integrated management of Z. tau in the field.