Some Biological Parameters of Melon Fly Myiopardalis Pardalina (Bigot 1891) (Diptera: Tephritidae) A Major Pest of Melons in Turkey

Melon fly Myiopardalis pardalina (Bigot), is a major pest of melons (Cucumis melo L.) in Turkey. This study was carried out on three melon varieties (Ananas, Bananas and Zoom F1) to determine some biological parameters of melon fly. The developmental time of immature stages of melon fly ranged from 31.03 ds on Zoom F1 to 32.93 ±0.28 ds on Ananas varieties. The oviposition period occurred on Zoom F1 with 13.8 ±1.31 ds and on Ananas with 13.4 ±1.34 ds. The mean longevity of adult males on Ananas, Bananas and Zoom F1 varieties was11.2 ±0.21, 10.9 ±0.17 and 11.1±0.17 ds, respectively, while the mean longevity of adult females on Ananas, Bananas and Zoom F1 varieties was 17.4 ±0.45, 17.1 ±0.48 and 17.4 ±0. 52 ds, respectively. The female/male ratio was determined as 56.66, 43.33. These results constitute the basic data for next studies about biological feature of melon fly. Keywords: Melon varieties, Melon fly, Myiopardalis pardalina, Host preference, Biological parameters, Lifetable.