Investigating the Disparity in Visual Stimuli-Induced Behavioral Responses Between <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> and <i>Zeugodacus tau</i> (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Abstract

Tephritid flies employ visual and chemical cues to locate and assess suitable habitats, food sources, mating sites, and ovipositional resources. <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> and <i>Zeugodacus tau</i> are economically significant pests that infest a wide range of fruits and fleshy vegetables. Understanding their visual sensitivity is crucial for developing effective and ecologically friendly management strategies. Thus, in this study, we compare the responses of these two species to various visual stimuli across laboratory, greenhouse, and closed-orchard environments. Our experiments reveal that, across the tested physiological states, both species exhibit a preference for certain wavelengths in the laboratory, particularly 520 nm and 560 nm. In the greenhouse, green and yellow models captured significantly more females of both species. <i>Z. tau</i> females showed greater sensitivity to the yellow model than <i>B. dorsalis</i> females. Additionally, <i>Z. tau</i> showed a higher affinity for both spherical and cylindrical shapes, while <i>B. dorsalis</i> flies were only attracted to the spherical model. In a closed orchard area, traps modified according to the best-performing combination used in the laboratory and greenhouse (shape and light) increased the capture counts of both species over time, with <i>Z. tau</i> exhibiting greater visual attraction sensitivity than <i>B. dorsalis</i>. These findings provide a theoretical and scientific foundation for improving trapping techniques targeting these two species.