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Applications in
Insect studies
Insect behavior is studied for a number of reasons. Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) for example, have a fairly similar genetic makeup to our human genome and they are easily manipulated to create genetically different strains. For neuroscientific studies, this makes them a really good model to learn about the effects of genes on behavior.
Insect studies
The behavior of pest insects or insects that transfer diseases is also of great interest in developing pesticides and other ways to prevent disease transfer, such as studies that are done on effective ways to repel the malaria mosquito.
Video tracking insects
The majority of behavioral insect studies focus on general locomotor behavior. Assessing movement-based parameters like speed, angle, position, distance moved, and mobility is easily done with EthoVision XT video tracking, and delivers a wealth of data. Researchers use video tracking to assess foraging behavior, circadian rhythmicity, courtship behavior, and thigmotaxis (wall-hugging). While most of these experiments are done with adult flies, fly larvae behavior is also of interest. At just a couple of days old (e.g. <6) these larvae are active enough for tracking and are especially popular in research on smell and eating behavior.
Tracking in 3 dimensions
Some studies with insects even track in 3 dimensions, acquiring much more accurate flight patterns. This is a popular method for studies with malaria mosquitos (Anopheles gambiae). Many mosquitos are resistant to currently used repellants, and bed nets aren’t always effective either. To protect people from malaria, researchers have turned to assessing mosquito behavior (flight patterns, landing sites, ability to find holes in bed nets), using wind tunnels and EthoVision XT video tracking. Track3D is then used for 3D path construction and analysis.
Product overview entomology
Our portfolio of tools and solutions for entomologists
Study insect behavior in great detail using video recordings, 3D video tracking or detailed behavioral scoring.
With more than 30 years of experience, we will have a solution for your research needs.
Download the product overview and check out Noldus entomology solutions here.
Relevant blogs
Identification of an aphid resistance gene in Arabidopsis
Karen Kloth used EntoLab in her research on the genetic basis of plant resistance to aphids. Genome-wide association mapping of aphid behavior on 350 natural Arabidopsis accessions led to the discovery of a new gene.
How fruit flies find your food (and mates!)
Those tiny flies that take over your garbage cans during the summer? They are called fruit flies for a reason! They have a fantastic sense of smell and these tiny creatures are a popular animal model for researchers.