Performance of Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera, Tephritidae) larvae fed on artificial diets
M. L. Fontellas-Brandalha, TâniaCresoni-Pereira, CarlaA. B. S. Leal, ThamaraMedeiros, LuandaS. Zucoloto, Fernando
Fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha Schiner, 1868 are well-known for having economical importance since they damage commercially cultivated fruits. Nutritional demands during the immature and adult stages are different, so the larvae do not develop well using the same diet as the adults. Although the insect basic nutritional needs are well-known, there is also the challenge to elaborate rearing diets adequate to species with specific needs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect on the Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) larvae performance of different kinds and amounts of carbohydrates in the diet. Larvae were individually reared until pupation in test tubes containing one of the artificial diets to be tested. The basic composition of the diets to be tested included 2.5 g agar, 3.25 g brewer's yeast and several different amounts of flour and sucrose. The suitability of the artificial diet for A. obliqua was tested evaluating the larvae and pupae survival (%) and the larvae, pupae and larvae-adults periods of development. The diet containing flour (2 g) and sucrose (2 g) and the diet containing only sucrose (5.5 g) have shown the best results regarding larval performance. All tested diets presented similar or superior results as compared to diets used in other studies. The importance of flour and its nutritional value for the larvae was discussed.
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