Long-term Intake of Protein and Sucrose in Relation to Reproductive Behavior of Wild and Laboratory Cultured Rhagoletis pomonella1,2

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Abstract
The intake of protein and sucrose by male and female apple maggot flies was highest during week 1, decreased slightly during weeks 2 and 3, and remained at a lower level until day 45 (= end of experiment). These changes were closely associated with maturation of the reproductive system and changes in adult reproductive behavior. Females consumed greater amounts of protein and more sucrose than males, reflecting their greater need of protein for egg production and sucrose to support the greater biomass. Also, there were significant quantitative differences between wild and laboratory-cultured flies in food intake, arrival of flies on ceresin domes, mating, and fecundity.