Open AccessFIELD OBSERVATIONS ON BEHAVIOUR OF A NORTH QUEENSLAND SPECIES OF PHYTALMIA (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)
Author(s) -
Moulds M. S.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
australian journal of entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1440-6055
pISSN - 1326-6756
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1977.tb00116.x
Subject(s) - biology , tephritidae , ecology , zoology , botany , pest analysis
The spectacular lateral head projections in males of an undescribed species of Phytalmia function primarily as a means of contact between fighting pairs of males. Such fighting, which is often territorial in nature results in larger males dominating sexual activity. Following copulation the male remains with and guards the female until after what appears to be oviposition in decaying trunks of Dysoxylum decandrum , a rain forest tree.