| Summary: | Abstract Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been widely used to monitor insects and conduct surface sterilizations at 365 nm and 254 nm wavelengths, respectively. The global increase in the use of UV light has raised concerns about environmental impacts and effects on non‐target organisms. We, therefore, examined the effects of three UV radiation wavelengths (365 nm, 308 nm and 254 nm) on the survival and antioxidant activities of a tephritid fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. Exposure to UV radiation significantly increased B. dorsalis cohort mortality and the duration of pre‐oviposition. Moreover, the application of UV‐B and UV‐C significantly decreased egg laying. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were irreversibly decreased by UV‐A, UV‐B and UV‐C radiation. Decreases in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutases (SOD) and glutathione‐S‐transferases (GST) activity were observed at both immediately after exposure and also at 120 h after exposure. However, while peroxidase (POD) activity was decreased immediately after UV‐B and UV‐C radiation, the activity had recovered at 120 h post‐exposure. These results demonstrate UV‐dependent decreases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes are associated with decreased B. dorsalis survival rates. While UV radiation can, therefore, be harmful to non‐target organisms, it is a potential strategy for integrated pest management.
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