Courtship learning in Drosophila melanogaster: Diverse plasticity of a reproductive behavior

Abstract

Mechanisms for identifying appropriate mating partners are critical for species propagation. In many species, the male uses multiple sensory modalities to search for females and to subsequently determine if they are fit and receptive. Males can also use the information they acquire in this process to change their courtship behavior and reduce courtship of classes of targets that are inappropriate or unreceptive. In Drosophila, courtship plasticity, in the form of both nonassociative and associative learning, has been documented-the type of learning depending on the nature of the trainer. The conditions in which the male is presented with the training target can profoundly alter the cues that he finds salient and the longevity of the memory that he forms. With the exception of habituation and sensitization, these types of plasticity have an operant component in that the male must be courting to respond to the behavior-altering cues. Courtship plasticity is therefore a complex and rich range of behaviors rather than a single entity. Our understanding of these plastic behaviors has been enhanced by recent advances in our understanding of the circuitry underlying courtship itself and the identification of chemical cues that drive and modify the behavior. Courtship learning is providing a window into how animals can use a variety of sensory inputs to modulate a decision making process at many levels.

Central Regulation of Locomotor Behavior of Drosophila melanogaster Depends on a CASK Isoform Containing CaMK-Like and L27 Domains

“…When a male initiates courtship of any type of target, he evaluates the suitability of that target using multiple sensory modalities, including vision, chemosensation, and audition, and integrates that information with his previous experience to produce an appropriate behavioral response (reviewed in Griffith and Ejima 2009). Courtship of immature males is similar to courtship of females in that both are reproducibly vigorous behaviors, but these types of courtship differ in several ways, including the chemical nature of the stimulatory pheromone.…”

Targeted manipulation of neuronal activity in behaving adult flies

“…It is important to consider that behavior can be greatly affected by different chamber features such as the size, accessibility of the walls and ceiling to the flies, and environment conditions (e.g., presence of food, other flies, etc.). For example, a male fly will spend less time courting a female in a large chamber than in a small chamber wherein the male is always in proximity to the female (Ewing and Ewing 1984;Zawistowski and Richmond 1987;Griffith and Ejima 2009). Chambers with low ceilings restrict flies to the floor for studying non-flight behaviors such as locomotion or grooming (Seeds et al 2014;Triphan et al 2016).…”

Mating and Memory: An Educational Primer for Use with “Epigenetic Control of Learning and Memory in Drosophila by Tip60 HAT Action”

“…Confocal microscopy produces an image from a single focal plane without light interference from cells or proteins above or below that plane (Smith 2011). ual that prepares the female to be receptive and provide feedback to the male of whether or not he is courting an appropriately receptive female rather than an already mated female, a male, or an inanimate object (Ejima and Griffith 2007;Griffith and Ejima 2009). After identifying a potential mate by visual and olfactory cues, the male begins pursuit while performing intermittent bouts of a courtship song composed of wing vibrations.…”