Research and IPM

Phenology Model Database

Mediterranean Fruit Fly

Scientific name: Ceratitis capitata

Phenology models predict timing of events in an organism's development. For many organisms which cannot internally regulate their own temperature, development is dependent on temperatures to which they are exposed in the environment.

Note: Before using a model that was not field tested in your location, you should test the model for one or more seasons under your conditions to verify that it will work for you.

Model 1 of 2

Tassan, R. L., K. S. Hagen, A. Cheng, T. K. Palmer, G. Feliciano and T. L. Bough. 1982. Mediterranean fruit fly life cycle estimations for the California eradication program. CEC/IOBC Symposium Athens November 1982. pp. 564-570.

Location of study: Santa Clara and Los Angeles, California (field studies)

Developmental threshold

Lower:

49.5°F

(9.7°C)

Method of calculation: Single Sine

Degree-day accumulations required for each stage of development

	DD (°F)	DD (°C)
Eggs & larvae (air temperatures):	257.0	142.8
Pupae (soil temperatures at 2.5 cm):	328.3	182.4

Developmental threshold

Lower:

61.9°F

(16.6°C)

Method of calculation: Single Sine

Degree-day accumulations required for each stage of development

	DD (°F)	DD (°C)
Pre-egglaying adults:	79.6	44.2

Model 2 of 2

Messenger, P. S., and N. E. Flitters. 1958. Effect of constant temperature environments on the egg stage of three species of Hawaiian fruit flies. Ann. Ent. Soc. Amer. 51: 109-119.

Location of study: Honolulu, Hawaii (laboratory studies)

Developmental thresholds

Lower:	53.0°F	(11.7°C)
Upper:	96.0°F	(35.6°C)

Method of calculation:	not specified (UC IPM recommends Single Sine)
Cutoff method:	not specified (UC IPM recommends Vertical)

Degree-day accumulations required for each stage of development

	DD (°F)	DD (°C)
Eggs:	52.4	29.1