EFFECTS OF FLAVOR AND NUTRITIONAL-VALUE ON DIET SELECTION BY CERATITIS-CAPITATA LARVAE (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE)

Diet flavour and nutritional value were tested for influence on diet selection by Ceratitis capitata larvae. The results indicate that nutritional value is the predominant factor in diet selection and that flavour is a determinant only when the diets to be selected are nutritionally more effective. When placed on a less effective diet, the larvae move to another of better nutritional value. Even after feeding on a less effective diet for 3 days, the larvae will select a diet of more effective nutritional value.