Faster (or slower) developers have a shorter (or longer) circadian period in Bactrocera cucurbitae

A clock controlling circadian rhythm may relate to another clock controlling development time. The relationship between the two clocks remains open to discussion. Genetic correlation between developmental and circadian periods is observed in two Dipteran species (Bactrocera cucurbitae and Drosophila melanogaster), whereas it is not observed in a Coleopteran species (Callosobruchus chinensis). No studies, however, are available that report on the phenotypic correlation between the two traits. In the present study, free‐running circadian periods are compared between individuals that develop fastest and slowest within a population of B. cucurbitae. The measurement of circadian periods is replicated using five populations of B. cucurbitae with different geographical and rearing histories. The results demonstrate that the flies developing more slowly have significantly longer circadian periods compared with the flies developing more quickly in two of five populations examined in B. cucurbitae, and thus the phenotypic correlation is dependent on population.