Karen M. Froerer, Steven L. Peck, Grant T. McQuate
Journal of Insect Science 11 (125), 1-6, (1 September 2011) https://doi.org/10.1673/031.011.12501
KEYWORDS: insect movement studies, invasive species, longevity, marking, mark-release-recapture
In this text we present a new marking dye, readmission ink, Blak-Ray, for the purpose of insect movement studies. The dye was tested in a controlled experiment with Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in anticipation of a long distance movement study planned for the following year with the same species. 700 individuals of both sexes were marked with the dye and placed in holding containers. Both the percentage of mortality and the ease of dye detection were monitored throughout a five-week period. Results showed minimal fly mortality and exceptional ease of dye detection.