Effect of Bactrocera minax (Diptera: Tephritidae) adult population density on its marginal distribution.

In order to explore the impact of insect density on the edge effect of Bactrocera minax (Diptera: Tephritidae) adult distribution in orange orchards, traps were set up in orchards with maggot infestation rates of 2%, 4%, and 20% to attract adults. The study compared differences in distribution between the side with noncitrus trees and the side farther away from them. The results showed that at lower insect densities (2% and 4% maggot infestation rates), the proportion of insect trap sites and the number of insects per trap on the side of the orchard adjacent to the trees were significantly higher than that on the side away from the noncitrus trees, additionally, the proportion of adults captured 10 to 20 m away from the side of noncitrus trees was also significantly higher than at other distances. However, at higher insect density (20% maggot infestation rates), there were no significant differences in the proportion of insect traps or the number of insects per trap between the adjacent and distant sides of the trees. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the proportion of adults captured at distances of 10, 20, 30, and 40 m away from the side of noncitrus trees in the orchard. In summary, at low insect density, B. minax adults exhibit a strong edge effect, concentrating on the side of the orchard with noncitrus trees, whereas at high insect density, they are evenly distributed throughout the orchard.