Seismic communication in courting Drosophila flies

CAROLINE FABRE

Département d'Ecologie Sensorielle, Institit d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris (iEES Paris), France

c.c.g.fabre.03@cantab.net

Link to seminar: https://umontpellier-fr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JCI_k8mPQteGmeiOSTTyfA

Seismic signals (also called substrate-borne vibratory signals) are thought to be one of the most ancient and taxonomically widespread communication signals among animal species. They are displayed by species as varied as elephants, grey seals, red-eyed tree frogs and Salticid spiders, to cite a few. I am studying this mode of communication in Drosophila where it is important for reproduction. In my talk I will present our findings on the signal’s propagation in natural substrates where flies feed and court (e.g., fruits) and how Drosophila females’ leg sensory structures detect the substrate-borne vibratory signals. I will also show you divergences of this mode of communication in Drosophila species, including pests.

Watch previous seminars on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrX4IsZ8WIFcDa0ZmC7rcQg