How Sugar Quality and Concentration Influence Oviposition Preference in Drosophila Melanogaster.

ABSTRACT: Female insects possess a complex chemosensory system that enables them to identify optimal oviposition substrates for their developing offspring. Both calorie-rich and protein-rich substrates are particularly attractive for laying eggs. We hypothesize that females detect concentrations of sweet compounds and preferentially select those concentrations that enhance larval survival. To test this, we investigated how female Drosophila melanogaster evaluate substrates with varying concentrations of sugars and amino acids, and whether these preferences correlate with larval survival. Using choice assays, we found that females preferentially deposited eggs on substrates containing 0.1 mol/L sucrose, while higher concentrations (2 mol/L) were consistently avoided-a response not attributable to dif

SUBMITTER: Otarola-Jimenez J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12181135 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature