Foraging behavior in insects is optimised for localising their scattered resources in a complex environment. It is shaped by evolution and can be exploited for pest control. Inhibition of feeding can protect crops whereas stimulation can increase the uptake of insecticides. For example, the success of a bait spray, depends on either contact or ingestion, and thus on the insects finding it. To develop an effective bait spray against the invasive pest, Drosophila suzukii, we investigated aspects of foraging behavior that influence the likelihood that the pest interacts with the baits, in summer and winter morphotypes. We video-recorded the flies’ approach behavior towards four stimuli in a two-choice experiment on strawberry leaflets. To determine the most effective bait positioning, we also assessed where on plants the pest naturally forages, using a potted raspberry plant under natural environmental conditions. We also studied starvation resistance at 20°C and 12°C for both morphs. We found that summer morph flies spent similar time on all baits (agar, combi-protec, yeast) whereas winter morphs spent more time on yeast than any other bait. Both morphs showed a preference to feed at the top of our plant. Colder temperatures enhanced survival under starvation conditions in both morphs, and mortality was reduced by food treatment. These findings on feeding behavior can support informed decisions on the type and placement of a lure to increase bait spray effectiveness. R-scripts and corresponding Excel data files:

Attraction.R, Arrestment.R, and Tortuosity.R are related to the Approach behavior towards a bait experiment. Plant Height feeding preference.R corresponds to the second experiment on feeding preference. Starvation resistance.R is related to the starvation resistance experiment. Oviposition.R is related to the reproductive activity of D. suzukii under different food conditions.