ABSTRACT

Dietary choice in relation to some biological characteristics of Drosophila melanogaster

(Miegen, 1830) (Diptera, Drosophilidae) in Samaru Zaria, were investigated. Sixty

Drosophila melanogaster used for the experiment were identified morphologically

using the hand lens, dissecting and light microscope. The fruit flies were left to select a

diet of Banana, Orange and Pineapple and some number of combinations based on

ratios 1:1 and 2:1. The number of Drosophila melanogaster found on each diet were

observed and counted. The diet introduced to the fruit flies was covered with a fine

mesh cloth and left to breed. The numbers of progenies found on each substrate was

observed and recorded. The fecundity of fruit flies found on each of the substrate was

estimated based on the number of progenies that emerged. From the result obtained,

Banana food substrates recorded the highest preference (8.67) P>0.05 which was the

most preferred fruit diet. Followed by Pineapple fruit substrates (6.00) and Orange food

substrate with (3.67) which was the lowest, combination of food substrate based on

equal proportion (1:1) indicates that Banana-Pineapple combination (7.33) was the most

preferred diet amongst the various combinations. The (2:1) combination indicates that

Banana-Pineapple (8.00) was the most preferred diet. Banana fruit diet recorded the

highest number of progeny with (18.00). Pineapple fruit substrates (10.33) did not differ

significantly (P>0.05). Orange fruit substrates recorded (9.67). The average progeny

observed in each individual fruit substrates was (12.67) which was higher than Orange-

Pineapple but lower than Banana fruit substrates. Similar trend was observed in various

combinations based on ratios 1:1 and 2:1.

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