Autogeny and Mating and Their Relationship to Biting in the Saltmarsh Deer Fly, Chrysops atlanticus (Diptera: Tabanidae)

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Abstract
Autogeny is reported in natural populations of Chrysops atlanticus Pechuman and Tabanus nigrovittatus Macquart. Nonbiting virgin C. atlanticus and females collected in copula in the marsh possessed developing or fully formed ovarian follicles. None had previously fed on blood or deposited eggs. Biting females, most of which were encountered in wooded areas adjacent to the marsh, were fertilized, and all had deposited eggs as evidenced by the presence of ovarian follicular relics. Follicles in biting flies were in a stage of development beyond which they would not advance unless the females obtained a meal of blood. None of the biting females had fed on blood prior to being captured. Mating of C. atlanticus was observed only in the morning. Males were observed hovering 3 to 4 feet above ground in open areas formed by lodged S. alterniflora and surrounded by upright stems. Hovering was observed as early as 0520 and as late as 0645 hours. Mating pairs were collected between 0545 and and 0645 on the standing grass immediately adjacent to the openings.

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