Physiological mechanisms of dehydration tolerance contribute to the invasion potential of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) relative to its less widely distributed congeners. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weldon, Christopher; Boardman, Leigh; Marlin, Danica; Terblanche, John
• Is Part Of: Frontiers in zoology. Volume 13:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Desiccation resistance -- Water loss -- Dehydration tolerance -- Starvation -- Body composition; Zoology -- Periodicals; 590.5
• DOI: 10.1186/s12983-016-0147-z
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-9994

Abstract

Abstract Background The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a highly invasive species now with an almost cosmopolitan distribution. Two other damaging, polyphagous and closely-related species, the marula fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker), and the Natal fly, Ceratitis rosa Karsch, are not established outside of sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, adult water balance traits and nutritional body composition were measured in all three species at different temperatures and levels of relative humidity to determine whether tolerance of water stress may partially explain their distribution. Results AdultC. capitata exhibited higher desiccation resistance thanC. rosa but notC. cosyra . Desiccation resistance ofC. capitata was associated with lower rates of water loss under hot and dry conditions, higher dehydration tolerance, and higher lipid reserves that were catabolised during water stress. In comparison withC. capitata, C. cosyra andC. rosa lost water at significantly higher rates under hot, dry conditions, and did not catabolise lipids or other sources of metabolic water during water stress. Conclusions These results suggest that adult physiological traits permitting higher tolerance of water stress play a role in the success ofC. capitata, particularly relative toC. rosa . The distribution ofC. cosyra is likely determined by the interaction of temperature with water stress, as well as the availability of suitable hosts for larval development.