REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR AND BIOLOGY OF THE GALL-FORMER ACIURINA FERRUGINEA (DOANE) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

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Abstract
Eggs of Aciurina ferruginea are laid in the sticky exudate covering the axillary buds of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus. After the egg overwinters, the larva enters the axillary bud ultimately forming a smooth pear-shaped gall. Thus, gall formation is initiated and apparently is sustained by larval activity. Pupation takes place within the gall and the adult emerges during the summer.A. ferruginea adults appear to communicate by means of visual signals. Two of the five other tephritid species which simultaneously share the host plant were observed; both are characterized by a unique wing waving display. All six have distinct wing patterns. It is likely that wing waving is important in species recognition as well as in courtship. As such it may function as a reproductive isolating mechanism between the species.The occurrence of homosexual activity suggests that both sexes offer similar stimuli to the courting male. These stimuli appear to be visual.Prior to oviposition, the female appears to examine the axillary bud closely; however, not all buds visited receive an egg. Only one egg is laid per bud.The egg is characterized by a long, slender, micropyle-bearing stalk which contains a well defined channel. This stalk is approximately one-half the length of the egg.

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