Research: Genetics of
Reproductive Behavior
Drosophila mettleri is a cactophilic species of fruit fly which breeds and
feeds on saguaro cacti in the Sonoran desert. They belong to the complex eremophila and are distinguished by their polycyclic wing
vibrations. Compared to other species in the complex, mettleri species
(males) exhibit an aggressive and persistent courtship behavior toward females and at times males. We are investigating the genetic basis of
this aggressive courtship behavior by crossing D. mettleri to its nonagressive congener,
D. micromettleri. Preliminary data indicates a that the aggressive behavior is dependent upon both
genotype of the males and on the genotype of the females to which the males are exposed.
| Department of Animal Biology | School of Integrative Biology | University of Illinois |
Created 08/01/01
Updated 08/01/01