Presentation Details
| Reproductive state shapes auditory perception and host-seeking behavior in Ormia ochracea Norman Lee1, 2, Lauren Bitner1, Jessica Cho-Ah-Ying2, Quang Vu1, Addie Rossinow1, Julia Morgan1, Chloe Greene1, Aria Whalen1, Andrew Mason2. 1St.Olaf College, Northfield, MN, USA.2University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada |
Abstract
Internal physiological states can alter how animals perceive and respond to sensory information. Reproduction is a major life-history transition that can reshape neural processing and behavior, yet its effects on sensory systems remain poorly understood in insects. The acoustic parasitoid fly Ormia ochracea relies on hearing to locate singing crickets that serve as hosts for its developing larvae. We tested whether auditory sensitivity and host-seeking behavior change across reproductive states. Using walking phonotaxis assays and neurophysiological recordings, we compared unmated females, mated females, and gravid females carrying developed larvae. Gravid flies showed stronger phonotactic responses, with more individuals orienting toward cricket song. Neurophysiological recordings revealed lower auditory thresholds in mated and gravid females compared with unmated controls, particularly at frequencies corresponding to host cricket songs. These results show that reproductive state modulates auditory sensitivity and behavior in O. ochracea, likely enhancing host detection when females are carrying developing larvae.
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