Biology of Melon Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae on Different Food Sources

Studies of melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coq. biology was carried out during 1998 and 1999 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Bitter gourd, Momardica charantia L. plants were maintained throughout the study period to provide fruits to flies in greenhouse. The damaged fruits of bitter gourd, with maggots were collected from field and reared in laboratory. Maximum adult emergence occurred between 09.00-11.00 hours. Flies mated during the night between 18.30-01.30 hours. Ovipositional activity started a day after mating while the fecundity ranged from 188 to 250 eggs per female of its life span. It took 26-28 hours, 4.5-7.5 days and 7.00-11.50 days for incubation, larval and pupal period, respectively. The total life cycle of melon fly varied from 12.50, 16.50 and 20.50 days during December-January, March-April and August-September, respectively. The flies sunnved for 18.4 ± 0.64 days with only sugar and longevity was enhanced to 27.2 ± 2.8, 34.2 ±3.8 days when fed with honey + water, Sugar + water and sugar + yeast + peptone + water, respectively. Non-supply of water led to sudden death of the flies. Flies did not show the reproductive maturity, mating and oviposition activity but lived for 35 days when sugar alone and water provided.