Bioassaying the Function of Pheromones in Drosophila melanogaster’s Social Behavior
Abstract
Social interactions are generally regulated by pheromones that convey information about the identity, physiological state, and location of an individual. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, offers a powerful model system to study the mechanisms through which pheromones modulate social interactions. Most of the fruit fly’s social behavior is demonstrably modulated by pheromones, and many of the chemical compounds composing its pheromonal profile have been characterized. This chapter describes several behavioral bioassays that can be used to determine the function of contact and short-range volatile pheromones in D. melanogaster’s social behavior. The chapter first provides instructions on how to rear flies for pheromonal experimentation and how to generate flies that cannot produce cuticular hydrocarbons. Afterward, protocols on how to determine the function of pheromones in courtship behavior and mate choice are provided, followed by protocols to determine whether pheromones function as volatile or contact cues during oviposition site selection. Finally, the last section of the chapter gives general advice on how to work with pheromones in the laboratory.
Publication Title
Neuromethods
Recommended Citation
Verschut, T., Kohlmeier, P., & Billeter, J. (2022). Bioassaying the Function of Pheromones in Drosophila melanogaster’s Social Behavior. Neuromethods, 181, 123-156. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-2321-3_9
