Stage-specific expression of an odorant receptor underlies olfactory behavioral plasticity in Spodoptera littoralis larvae.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The detection of environmental cues and signals via the sensory system directs behavioral choices in diverse organisms. Insect larvae rely on input from the chemosensory system, mainly olfaction, for locating food sources. In several lepidopteran species, foraging behavior and food preferences change across larval instars; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying such behavioral plasticity during larval development are not fully understood. Here, we hypothesize that expression patterns of odorant receptors (ORs) change during development, as a possible mechanism influencing instar-specific olfactory-guided behavior and food preferences.

Results

We investigated the expression patterns of ORs in larvae of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis between the fir

SUBMITTER: Revadi SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8555055 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature