Habitat selection: Olfactory response of Drosophila melanogaster depends on resources

Abstract

The behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster populations originating from three different fruit types (plums, peaches, apples) in the same orchard was compared in a wind tunnel olfactometer. After two generations of laboratory culture, flies tended to be attracted to the odours of the fruit type from which they originated. Thus, genetic variation for olfactory response affects habitats selected, and hence the microdistribution of D. melanogaster in the field. © 1984 The Genetical Society of Great Britain.