Phenolics as ecologically relevant cues for slime flux breeding .

species belonging to the group offer a unique opportunity for studying olfactory adaptations necessary for survival within forest ecosystems as many of these species breed within decaying plant vascular tissues. However, the knowledge regarding olfactory preferences within their ecological niche is extremely limited. Here, we focus on and identify over 120 distinct odors from a natural slime flux source.

Response Plasticity of Olfactory Sensory Neurons.

In insect olfaction, sensitization refers to the amplification of a weak olfactory signal when the stimulus is repeated within a specific time window. In the vinegar fly, this occurs already at the periphery, at the level of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) located in the antenna. In our study, we investigate whether sensitization is a widespread property in a set of seven types of OSNs, as well as the mechanisms involved.

Temperature-dependent modulation of odor-dependent behavior in three drosophilid fly species of differing thermal preference.

Rapid and ongoing climate change increases global temperature, impacts feeding, and reproduction in insects. The olfaction plays an important underlying role in these behaviors in most insect species. Here, we investigated how changing temperatures affect odor detection and ensuing behavior in three drosophilid flies: Drosophila novamexicana, D.

Functional Interaction Between Olfactory Sensory Neurons and Their Support Cells.

Insects detect volatile chemicals using antennae, which house a vast variety of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) that innervate hair-like structures called sensilla where odor detection takes place. In addition to OSNs, the antenna also hosts various support cell types. These include the triad of trichogen, tormogen, and thecogen support cells that lie adjacent to their respective OSNs.