Behavioral responses to light by headless anesthetized Drosophila melanogaster

Perception. 2011;40(2):247-8. doi: 10.1068/p6850.

Abstract

The bodies of decapitated fruit flies are known to retain a variety of functional sensory inputs, processing, and behavioral responses. Here I report a previously undescribed phenomenon: headless bodies can respond to a light presentation with movement, walking, and flight. Headless anesthetized flies also respond to a light presentation with behavior, albeit to a lesser degree. The mechanism underlying the behavioral response of headless flies to light might include extracephalic photoreceptors or thermoreceptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Decapitation
  • Drosophila melanogaster / physiology*
  • Light*
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation*