Effets de deux mutations neurologiques, minibrain³ et no-bridge^KS49, sur la parade nuptiale chez Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Male courtship events of two neurological mutants (nobridgeKS49 (nob) and minibrain3 (mnb)) of Drosophila melanogaster were recorded and subjected to quantitative and sequential analysis. The nob mutation, which disorganizes the protocerebral bridge, causes specific defects in courtship: a low frequency of the copulation attempt and the disappearance of the licking – copulation attempt sequence. Thus, the nob males were unable to copulate with receptive females within the 30-min observation. We think that this may be due to an abnormality in their wing vibrations. The mnb mutant, characterized by a reduction of the brain (by more than 50%), exhibited difficulties in initiating courtship and in maintaining contact with the female during courtship. These courtship defects may be due to visual and locomotor anomalies.