Starvation-Induced Dietary Behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae and Adults

• DOI: 10.1038/srep14285
• Publication Date: 2015-09-24T08:57:46Z
• Authors: Muhammad Ahmad; Safee Ullah Chaud...; Ahmed Jawaad Afzal; Muhammad Tariq
• Keywords: Cannibalism; Melanogaster

Abstract Drosophila melanogaster larvae are classified as herbivores and known to feed on non-carnivorous diet under normal conditions. However, when nutritionally challenged these exhibit cannibalistic behaviour by consuming a composed of larger conspecifics. Herein, we report that cannibalism in is confined not only scavenging conspecifics size, but also their eggs. Moreover, such develop normally those grown standard cornmeal medium. When stressed, can consume carnivorous derived from carcasses organisms belonging diverse taxonomic groups, including Musca domestica , Apis mellifera Lycosidae sp . While adults ill-equipped devour conspecific carcasses, they selectively oviposit them damaged cadavers Thus, our results suggest stressed show distinct well unusual feeding behaviours be detritivorous, and/or carnivorous.