We compared the biology and sexual behavior between a strain of laboratory with wild phenotype (LFS) and a strain of laboratory with mutant phenotype (LFM) of Anastrepha ludens (Loew), characterized by clear coloration of the body and creamy yellow eyes to determine their potential as genetic marker in the control programmes through the use of the sterile insect technique. The survey results indicated that individuals of the LFM mutant strain not differ significantly from individuals of the LFS strain respect to their fecundity, fertility and survival of immature stages, as well as in the emission of sexual pheromone. This indicates that could be adapted to massrearing. However, mating tests indicated that although the LFM insects mated with the insects of field of wild phenotype (CFS), presented some degree of isolation and low percentages of mating of males with both LFS and CFS females, implying that is not recommended the use of the LFM mutant strain as genetic marker in programs that use the sterile insect technique, for the control of the Mexican fruit fly.
