The influence of light on temperature preference in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Ambient light affects multiple physiological functions and behaviors, such as circadian rhythms, sleep-wake activities, and development, from flies to mammals. Mammals exhibit a higher body temperature when exposed to acute light compared to when they are exposed to the dark, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The body temperature of small ectotherms, such as Drosophila, relies on the temperature of their surrounding environment, and these animals exhibit a robust temperature preference behavior. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila prefer a ∼1° higher temperature when exposed to acute light rather than the dark. This acute light response, light-dependent temperature preference (LDTP), was observed regardless of the time of day, suggesting that LDTP is regulated separately

SUBMITTER: Head LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4406824 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature