Effects of zingerone on the mating efficacy of male fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Males of many Bactrocera species are strongly attracted to certain natural and synthetic compounds (=lures) which are readily consumed, and consequently their attractiveness to females is enhanced. The lures methyl eugenol and cue-lure are profoundly attractive to many Bactrocera males, and are widely used in the management and monitoring of these pests. However, less is known about zingerone, a natural lure found in the flowers of some orchids (Bulbophyllum sp.). To observe the effects of zingerone-feeding, we test the mating success of male Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett (melon fly) which have fed on either zingerone or cue-lure. Our objectives are to i) determine if zingerone-feeding enhances male mating success, ii) determine if zingerone-fed males mate at different rates than cue-lure-fed males, and iii) clarify female fitness benefits derived from mating with lure-fed males.