The most important results on the reproductive activity of the Mediterranean fruit f1y,Ceratitis capitata (Wied.),obained from the last experimental studies with isolated pairs, at a series of constant temperatures between 19ºC and 31ºC,in Spain are presented. Both distributions,log-normal,and 4th degree polynomial,have allowed us to determine the experimental conditions upon which production of eggs,larvae,pupae and adults reaches its optimal value. In general,these conditions were 22± 1ºC,67±1% RH and 12:12 hrs light-dark regime. After fitting several functions to the experimental data,the power-exponential model was chosen as the best one to explain the biological phenomena. Weights of pupae originated from old females were significantly higher than those estimated from the younger ones. Development times of eggs ,larvae,pupae and periods or the biological cycle were obtained,as well as two critical bands or temperature. With these data it was possible to estimate the minimum number of generations per year in two Spanish zones where this species is a permanent pest.

Peer reviewed