AbstractEffective management of Chinese citrus fly, Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is hindered by a lack of knowledge about its movements. We determined the feasibility of using harmonic radar technology to measure natural dispersal of B. minax. Tests demonstrated that 3.8 mg tags representing 8% of average insect weight had no visible impact on the ability of flies to takeoff and maintain flight. More than 86% of flies retained their tags for at least 5 days, and there was no significant mortality. Neither adhesive tested for tag mounting affected the survival of flies. Presence of the vertical dorsal tag did not prevent or hamper vertical movement. Together, results validate the use of tags weighing up to 3.8 mg for radar or telemetric study of dispersal ecology of B. minax.
UAS-supported Digitalized Search-And-Rescue using Harmonic Radar Reflection