ADAPTATION OF A CERATITIS-CAPITATA POPULATION DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE TO AN ANIMAL PROTEIN-BASED DIET

A population of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Tephritidae) reared in the laboratory on a diet based on brewer's yeast (BY) was studied in terms of adaptation to another diet based on cow's meat flour (MF). After a population fed the MF diet was established, the two populations were compared in terms of nutritional values of the diets and sexual choice. The results indicate that there was adaptation of the population to the MF diet, probably by directional selection. Assortative mating between individuals of the two populations was also observed. It is suggested that the capacity of this species to adapt to a diet based on animal protein may be maintained by the occasional practice of cannibalism during periods of competition for food.