Automated monitoring and quantitative analysis of feeding behaviour in Drosophila

Pavel M. Itskov, José-Maria Moreira, Ekaterina Vinnik, Gonçalo Lopes, Steve Safarik, Michael H. Dickinson and Carlos Ribeiro ()
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Pavel M. Itskov: Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown
José-Maria Moreira: Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown
Ekaterina Vinnik: Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown
Gonçalo Lopes: Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown
Steve Safarik: University of Washington
Michael H. Dickinson: University of Washington
Carlos Ribeiro: Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Food ingestion is one of the defining behaviours of all animals, but its quantification and analysis remain challenging. This is especially the case for feeding behaviour in small, genetically tractable animals such as Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we present a method based on capacitive measurements, which allows the detailed, automated and high-throughput quantification of feeding behaviour. Using this method, we were able to measure the volume ingested in single sips of an individual, and monitor the absorption of food with high temporal resolution. We demonstrate that flies ingest food by rhythmically extending their proboscis with a frequency that is not modulated by the internal state of the animal. Instead, hunger and satiety homeostatically modulate the microstructure of feeding. These results highlight similarities of food intake regulation between insects, rodents, and humans, pointing to a common strategy in how the nervous systems of different animals control food intake.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5560

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