Responsiveness to Sugar Solutions in the Moth Agrotis ipsilon: Parameters Affecting Proboscis Extension.

ABSTRACT: Adult moths need energy and nutrients for reproducing and obtain them mainly by consuming flower nectar (a solution of sugars and other compounds). Gustatory perception gives them information on the plants they feed on. Feeding and food perception are integrated in the proboscis extension response, which occurs when their antennae touch a sugar solution. We took advantage of this reflex to explore moth sugar responsiveness depending on different parameters (i.e., sex, age, satiety, site of presentation, and composition of the solution). We observed that starvation but not age induced higher response rates to sucrose. Presentation of sucrose solutions in a randomized order confirmed that repeated sugar stimulations did not affect the response rate; however, animals were sometimes sensitized

SUBMITTER: Hostachy C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6888557 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature