Potential for mating between Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and Bactrocera neohumeralis (Hardy) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

We conducted a series of mating experiments in the laboratory and in a glasshouse to examine male calling and the potential for mating between Bactrocera tryoni and B. neohumeralis. Males of each species do make presumed courtship calls, but at entirely discrete periods and regardless of the presence of other males or females. Despite this, assortative mating tests in the glasshouse demonstrated the potential for rare interspecific matings. When F1 hybrids were included in these assortative mating tests they commonly mated with B. neohumeralis during the middle of the day and with B. tryoni at dusk. Hybrids may facilitate bidirectional gene flow between these species.