Genetics analysis of larval foraging behavior in Drosophila funebris

Abstract

To understand the genetics and evolution of foraging in larvae of Drosophila funebris, we examined two strains reared at different breeding sites in the wild. Larvae of the Til-Til strain breed in necrotic cactus tissue, while those of the Pelequen strain rear in necrotic prickly pear cladodes. We measured feeding, locomotion, turning behavior, and latency of D. funebris. Til-Til and Pelequen larvae, at 8 days of age show very similar rates in all behaviors. Crosses between Til-Til and Pelequen strains decrease feeding rate and increase locomotion, turning, and latency in F-1 and F-2 larvae. Backcross larvae show a behavior similar to that of their parental strains. The behavioral similarities observed between the Til-Til and Pelequen strains are product of two different co-adapted gene pools. Epistasis and dominance are the principal sources upon which adaptation of the gene pools of each population are based.