Softness sensing and learning in<i>Drosophila</i>larvae

Abstract

Mechanosensation provides animals with important sensory information in addition to olfaction and gustation during feeding behavior. Here we use Drosophila larvae to investigate the role of softness sensing in behavior and learning. In the natural environment, Drosophila larvae need to dig into soft foods for feeding. Finding foods that are soft enough to dig into is likely to be essential for their survival. We report that Drosophila larvae can discriminate between different agar concentrations and prefer softer agar. Interestingly, we show that larvae on a harder place search for a softer place using memory associated with an odor and that they evaluate foods by balancing softness and sweetness. These findings suggest that Drosophila larvae integrate mechanosensory information with chemosensory input while foraging. Moreover, we find that the larval preference for softness is affected by genetic background.