Host races of Rhagoletis cerasi L. (Dipt., Tephritidae): Effect of prior adult experience on oviposition site preference

Results of first laboratory experiments carried out in 1974 and 1976 indicated that exposure of Prunus and Lonicera host races of the European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi L., to a given natural or artificial oviposition substrate for 5 successive days influenced the ovipositional preference of each host race for the two fruit types (cherries and Lonicera berries) offered in a 2‐choice test. The greater behavioural plasticity of the Prunus host race and the more stereotyped behaviour of the Lonicera host race was confirmed in a second (1987) and third experimental series (1993) using different bioassay methods. The evolutionary aspects of this induced preference by prior experience are discussed.