While a plethora of studies have focused on the role of visual, chemical and near-field airborne signals in courtship of Drosophila fruit flies, the existence of substrate-borne vibrational signals has been almost completely overlooked. Here we describe substrate vibrations generated during courtship in three species of the D. melanogaster group, from the allegedly mute species D. suzukii, its sister species D. biarmipes, and from D. melanogaster. In all species, we recorded several types of substrate vibrations which were generated by locomotion, abdominal vibrations and most likely through the activity of thoracic wing muscles. In D. melanogaster and D. suzukii, all substrate vibrations described in intact males were also recorded in males with amputated wings. Evidence suggests that vibrational signalling may be widespread among Drosophila species, and fruit flies may provide an ideal model to study various aspects of this widespread form of animal communication.

Mazzoni, V.; Anfora, G.; Virant Doberlet, M. (2013). Substrate vibrations during courtship in three Drosophila species. PLOS ONE, 8 (11): e80708. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080708 handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10449/22718

Substrate vibrations during courtship in three Drosophila species

Mazzoni, Valerio;Anfora, Gianfranco;
2013-01-01

Abstract

While a plethora of studies have focused on the role of visual, chemical and near-field airborne signals in courtship of Drosophila fruit flies, the existence of substrate-borne vibrational signals has been almost completely overlooked. Here we describe substrate vibrations generated during courtship in three species of the D. melanogaster group, from the allegedly mute species D. suzukii, its sister species D. biarmipes, and from D. melanogaster. In all species, we recorded several types of substrate vibrations which were generated by locomotion, abdominal vibrations and most likely through the activity of thoracic wing muscles. In D. melanogaster and D. suzukii, all substrate vibrations described in intact males were also recorded in males with amputated wings. Evidence suggests that vibrational signalling may be widespread among Drosophila species, and fruit flies may provide an ideal model to study various aspects of this widespread form of animal communication.
Vibrational communication
Drosophila melanogaster
Drosophila suzukii
Courtship
Comunicazione vibrazionale
Drosophila melanogaster
Drosophila suzukii
Corteggiamento
Settore AGR/11 - ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALE E APPLICATA
2013
Mazzoni, V.; Anfora, G.; Virant Doberlet, M. (2013). Substrate vibrations during courtship in three Drosophila species. PLOS ONE, 8 (11): e80708. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080708 handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10449/22718
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