Drosophila male courtship behavior is modulated by ecdysteroids

ISSN
0022-1910
Date Issued
2011
Author(s)
Ganter, G. K.
Panaitiu, A. E.
Desilets, J. B.
Davis-Heim, J. A.
Fisher, E. A.
Tan, L. C. H.
Buchanan, E. B.
Brooks, K. M.
Kenney, M. T.
Verde, M. G.
Downey, J.
Adams, A. M.
Grenier, Julien
Maddula, S.
Kincaid, K. M.
O'Brien, J. R. M.
DOI
10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.05.007
Abstract
Temperature-dependent induction of ecdysteroid deficiency in the ecdysoneless mutant ecd(1) adult Drosophila melanogaster results in altered courtship behavior in males. Ecdysteroid deficiency brings about significantly elevated male-male courtship behavior including song production resembling that directed toward females. Supplementation with dietary 20-hydroxyecdysone reduces male-male attraction, but does not change motor activity, courtship patterns or attraction to females. These observations support the hypothesis that reduced levels of ecdysteroids increase the probability that male fruit flies will display courtship behaviors to male stimuli. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.