Comparison of Adult Life History Traits in Lines Artificially Selected for Long and Short Larval and Pupal Developmental Periods in the Melon Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Eight life history traits of adults were compared between lines selected for long and short larval and pupal developmental periods in the melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae). The traits compared were: (1) preoviposition period (days); (2) female age at peak fecundity (days); (3) number of eggs at peak fecundity; (4) total fecundity; (5) longevity of males; (6) longevity of females; (7) age at first mating; and (8) number of lifetime matings. There were no consistent differences among the eight traits between long and short lines, except for the preoviposition period that was measured at generation 5 and 6 for long and short lines, respectively. These results are discussed in relation to quality control using mass-reared melon flies in Okinawa.