Comparative sensitivity to and consumption of methyl eugenol in three Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) complex sibling species

Sensitivities to methyl eugenol of three sibling species in the Bactrocera dorsalis complex were compared. The degree of species sensitivity to methyl eugenol, i.e. B. dorsalis > B. papayae > B. carambolae (in decreasing order), was concomitant with the species age-related response to methyl eugenol as previously reported. The ability to consume methyl eugenol by the three sibling species showed similar trend - the average ME consumption per male was 0.70 mul for B. dorsalis, 0.58 mul B. papayae and 0.18 mul B. carambolae. Results obtained were discussed in relation to area-wide control of fruit fly.